Writer and illustrator Eric Carle and his senior management team have announced that New York-based The Joester Loria Group will be the exclusive licensing agent for The World of Eric Carle licensing program.

The move will allow Joester Loria to expand the brand which has seen recent growth in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, Asia Pacific and Japan after a number of licensing deals were signed for products including coloring books, apps and infant toys.

As the brand’s new licensing agent, Joester Loria plans to focus on merchandising categories such as infant and toddler toys, apparel, feeding, and home products. It also plans to grow the brand in schools and libraries with teacher’s materials and supplies.

To date, Eric Carle picture books have sold more than 110 million copies worldwide and The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been translated into more than 50 languages.