Author Spotlight: Eric Carle

Eric Carle, the author and illustrator of the famous children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, was born on June 25th, 1929 in Syracuse, New York to his parents were Erich and Johanna Carle. When he was only six his family returned to Germany, where he was educated as a child and where he later graduated from a local art school. In 1952 Eric returned to the United States, arriving in New York City with a mere $40 in his pocket. He worked as a graphic designer for The New York Times, and as an art director for an advertising agency before being noticed by Bill Martin Jr., an author who asked Eric to work on the book Brown Bear, Brown bear, What Do You See? The book became a best-seller and Eric Carle's career as a children's author/illustrator began.

Eric Carle's first book as both the author and illustrator was 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo (1968), followed by The Very Hungry Caterpillar (1969).
Eric Carle's art is so distinct in style that it is easy to recognize. He uses a collage technique, with hand-painted paper and cut-out images that he layers into images.
Eric Carle's children's books are often inspired by nature, and are educational, but also identify with a child's feelings, creativity, and natural inquisitiveness.
In 1970 Eric Carle had four books published including Pancakes, Pancakes!, The Tiny Seed, Tales of the Nimipoo, and The Boastful Fisherman.
In 1971 Eric Carle had three books published including Feathered Ones and Furry, The Scarecrow Clock, and Do You Want to Be My Friend?.
In 1972 Eric Carle had five books published including Rooster's Off to See the World, The Very Long Tail, The Very Long Train, The Secret Birthday Message, and Walter the Baker.
In 1973 Eric Carle had three books published including Do Bears Have Mothers Too?, Have You Seen My Cat?, and I See a Song.
In 1974 Eric Carle had a collection of books published including titles My Very First Book of Numbers, My Very First Book of Colors, My Very First Book of Shapes, and My Very First Book of Words. It was a series meant to teach children through a game-like approach. Why Noah Chose the Dove and All About Arthur were also published that year.
Eric Carle has continued to publish children's books almost every year including more than 57 titles, equaling more than 70 books.
Eric Carle was awarded the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for his contribution to children's literature in the United States in 2003.
The book The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been translated into more than 50 languages around the world. It has sold more than 33 million copies worldwide.
Eric Carle's books are estimated to have sold more than 103 million copies worldwide, with that number climbing every year.
Eric Carle has been awarded Honorary Degrees from Smith College, Bates College, Niagara University, College of Our Lady the Elms and Appalachian State University.
Eric Carle has won numerous awards for specific books including the prestigious First Prize for Picture Books from the International Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy.