Eric Carle: The Man Behind the Caterpillar

 Eric Carle: The Man Behind the Caterpillar

Eric Carle, who passed away on May 23, 2021 at the age of 91, was one of the most beloved and influential children’s book authors and illustrators of our time. His books, such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and The Grouchy Ladybug, have sold more than 170 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 70 languages. His distinctive collage art style, his playful use of colors and shapes, and his simple yet profound stories have captivated generations of young readers and adults alike. But who was the man behind the caterpillar? What inspired him to create such memorable characters and images? And what was his impact on children’s literature and education?

Eric Carle was born on June 25, 1929 in Syracuse, New York, to German immigrant parents. When he was six years old, his family moved back to Germany, where he grew up during the Nazi regime and World War II. He experienced hardships and horrors that marked him for life. He witnessed bombings, shootings, and starvation. He was conscripted to dig trenches on the Siegfried Line when he was 15. His father was drafted into the German army and spent years as a prisoner of war in Russia. He later returned home as a broken man.

Despite these difficulties, Carle found solace and joy in art. He studied graphic design at the prestigious State Academy of Fine Arts in Stuttgart, where he learned to appreciate the works of artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Klee. He also developed a love for nature and animals, which would later inspire many of his books.

In 1952, Carle fulfilled his dream of returning to America with only $40 in his pocket and a portfolio of his drawings. He landed a job as a graphic designer at The New York Times, where he worked until he was drafted into the army during the Korean War. After his service, he resumed his career at the Times and later became an art director at an advertising agency.

His life changed in 1967 when he met Bill Martin Jr., a renowned children’s author who asked him to illustrate his book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. The book was an instant success and launched Carle’s career as an illustrator and author. He quit his job at the agency and devoted himself to creating picture books for children.

His first self-written and illustrated book was 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo (1968), followed by his most famous work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar (1969). The book tells the story of a caterpillar who eats his way through various foods until he becomes a beautiful butterfly. The book combines Carle’s signature collage technique with die-cut pages, holes, and interactive elements that invite children to touch, count, learn, and play. The book also conveys a message of hope and transformation that resonates with children and adults alike.

Carle went on to create more than 70 books, many of which became classics and bestsellers. Some of his popular titles include The Very Busy Spider (1984), The Mixed-Up Chameleon (1975), The Grouchy Ladybug (1977), The Very Quiet Cricket (1990), The Very Lonely Firefly (1995), and The Very Clumsy Click Beetle (1999). He also collaborated with other authors such as Martin Jr., Richard Buckley, Alice McLerran, Jonathan London, and Tony Johnston.

Carle’s books are not only entertaining but also educational. They introduce children to concepts such as colors, numbers, shapes, letters, sounds, animals, seasons, emotions, and more. They also encourage children to use their imagination, creativity, curiosity, and sense of wonder. They foster a love for reading and learning that lasts a lifetime.

Carle’s books also reflect his personal philosophy and values. He once said: “I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.” He also said: “I hope that my books can be enjoyed by both children and adults as a way of communicating with each other about their feelings.” He believed that books can be bridges between generations and cultures.

Carle’s impact on children’s literature and education is immense. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (2003), the Hans Christian Andersen Award (2010), the Original Art Lifetime Achievement Award (2010), and the Children’s Literature Legacy Award (2020). He has also inspired countless artists and educators who have followed in his footsteps.

In 2002, Carle and his late wife Barbara founded The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. The museum is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the art of picture books from around the world. It also offers programs and activities for children and families to enjoy and learn from Carle’s legacy.

Eric Carle was a visionary and a legend in the field of children’s literature. He touched the lives of millions of people with his books and his art. He was a man who never lost his childlike wonder and joy. He was a man who made the world a more colorful and beautiful place. He was a man who gave us the caterpillar and so much more.