Barnes & Noble has announced an exclusive four-month partnership with author and illustrator Eric Carle. As part of the arrangement, Carle created special artwork just for Barnes & Noble stores and for its Web site, which went live this week in advance of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day on Sunday. The promotion officially launches on Saturday with a nationwide Eric Carle Storytime, which will include collage projects in the style of his art.
Carle’s new artwork will be featured on store signage and displays and on the BN Kids pages online through July. In addition, Barnes & Noble will offer limited edition gift cards featuring the art starting next month, and will use the art on curriculum guides distributed at BN Educator Nights. While Carle’s books—including his October release, The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse—are the focus of the promotion, Barnes & Noble will also feature other Eric Carle-related products.
“Barnes & Noble is honored to collaborate with such an iconic and talented children’s book author,” said Mary Amicucci, v-p of children’s books. “Eric Carle’s illustrations make a book come to life. We know that having his gorgeous artwork in our stores will not only be a beautiful addition, but will also inspire children to read and imagine.”
