- International Literary Properties to relaunch the catalogs of Ed Emberley, Barbara Emberley and Rebecca Emberley rebranding their portfolio as “Everything Emberley”
- ILP to pursue partnerships in publishing, animation, and merchandise and will launch a new Emberley website to create a home on the web for teachers, caregivers and children to inspire a new generation of Emberley fans.
International Literary Properties, the global company that invests in, acquires, manages, and enhances literary estates, is delighted to announce the acquisition of a majority interest in the intellectual property of Ed, Barbara and Rebecca Emberley.
Ed Emberley is an American artist and illustrator, best known for his beloved children’s picture book Go Away, Big Green Monster! Mr. Emberley has illustrated or contributed to over 100 books, many in collaboration with his wife Barbara and published between the 1960s and 1980s. His most recent book, The Red Hen, (2010) and Chicken Little (2009) were in collaboration with his daughter Rebecca. In total, Ed, Barbara and Rebecca Emberley’s books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.
Scott Hoffman, CEO of ILP, on the creative force of the Emberleys, “Ed, Barbara, and Rebecca Emberley’s books are true children’s classics enjoyed by millions of young readers the world over. We at ILP are thrilled to be bringing our expertise in branding, marketing, TV/film, and publishing to bear on their catalogue so that the Emberley legacy will continue to grow for years to come.”
As partners with the Emberleys, who will retain a minority interest, ILP will actively work to bring their diverse, exciting body of work together under one cohesive, consumer-facing umbrella, “Everything Emberley,” promoting creativity and confidence among children ages three to twelve. Through renewed outreach to teachers, librarians, and caregivers, ILP will promote the Emberleys’ love and teaching of art, as well as social and emotional learning.
“We are excited about our new partnership with the team at International Literary Properties. They will stay true to our intention to encourage creativity, bringing art and story to children and families around the world” says Rebecca Emberley.
ILP’s investment will include a website relaunch with new content, emphasizing SEO and strategic marketing to enhance breadth of reach online. Additionally, ILP seeks to create immersive brand material, by engaging with multi-media and TV partners. Through these efforts, ILP aims to advance the Emberleys’ books to a wider audience and continue children’s learning of artistic elements and concepts.
Forthcoming on December 18, 2021, and running through June 12, 2022, The Eric Carle Museum will feature a special exhibition of Ed Emberley’s art and work. This exhibition will showcase Emberley’s remarkable printmaking and drawing talents through more than 20 books. On view will be original art from his Caldecott Medal-winning book Drummer Hoff (1967), his popular Drawing Book series from the 1970s, the never-before-seen Picture Pie (1984), along with sketches, handmade book dummies, printing supplies, and color separations provide a glimpse into the methods and career of one of America’s great picture-book illustrators.
As Ed Emberley himself has said about his Drawing Book series:
“If a child gets satisfaction or consolation from imitating the creations of another—let them go to it. Before you know it, they’ll modify, embellish, improvise to create something of her/his very own. And, best of all, they’ll enjoy!”
The Emberleys join a growing number or authors whose works are part of the ILP portfolio, including Georges Simenon, Margery Allingham, and Patrick Carman’s Skeleton Creek Series.
