Eric Carle is an American design, illustrator, and children’s book author most famous for his book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Over the course of his careers he has written and illustrated more than 70 books, and has won the Hans Christian Anderson and Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in 2003.
Born in Syracuse, New York to German immigrants, the family moved back to Germany when he was 6 and survived World War II. Carle, always homesick for America, he moved to New York City in 1953 with only 40 dollars to his name. Once there he landed a job as a graphic designer for The New York Times, and eventually became the Art Director of an advertising agency. His illustration skills were discovered by author Bill Martin, Jr. and he was asked to collaborate on the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? which was published in 1967 launching his children’s book career.
Carle has a very distinct style that instantly recognizable. He creates in a collage technique by layering hand painted papers. His books usually center around nature, allowing for an entertaining experience while teaching children about the world around them.
