Eric Carle

Eric Carle was an American author and illustrator of children's books. He was born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929. He is best known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar. His colorful collage art style made his books easy to spot on any shelf.

Early Life

Carle moved to Germany with his family when he was six years old. He studied art in Stuttgart. After returning to the United States, he worked as a graphic designer. An author named Bill Martin Jr. noticed his artwork and asked him to illustrate a book.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Published in 1969, the book follows a caterpillar that eats its way through different foods. The pages have holes that children can poke their fingers through. It has been translated into over 60 languages. Carle wrote and illustrated more than 70 books in his career.

Fun Facts

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar has sold over 55 million copies worldwide.
• Eric Carle made his art by painting on thin tissue paper and cutting out shapes to create collages.
• He opened the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts.

Did You Know?

Eric Carle originally wanted the book to be about a worm. His editor suggested a caterpillar instead, and the idea stuck.