Eric Carle

Highlights of the Biography of Eric Carle

Eric Carle is the beloved creator of brilliantly colored illustrations that appear in some of the most popular children's books. The Very Hungry Caterpiller has eaten it's way into millions of hearts all over the world. This book has been translated into more than 47 languages and has sold over 29 million copies. Since The Very Hungry Caterpiller was first published in 1969, Carle has illustrated more than 70 titles and many of them have appeared on the best seller list. Most of these books, he has written and illustrated and more than 88 million copies have sold worldwide.

Eric was born in Syracuse, New York in 1929. He moved with his parent to Germany w hen he was 6 years old. In Germany, Carle was educated at a fine art school and in 1952, returned to America with a portfolio in hand. He went to work for the promotions department for the New York Times as a graphic designer. Later, he became the art director.

After some time, Bill Martin, Jr. approached Eric Carle about illustrating a book for him. Bill Martin had been facinated with a picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. This was the true beginning of Eric's career. Soon, he was also writing. His first written and illustrated book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, and soon followed The Hungry Caterpillar.

Eric Carle has a distinct and recognizable style. His artwork is created using the collage technique. Carle hand paints his papers using a rainbow of different colors and textures. He then cuts out shapes and begins to lay them down to form his objects. Many of his books have added dimension, like die-cut pages and twinkling lights to help bring life to his illustrations. This gives the books a life-like quality-- a toy that can be read and played with.

The secret to Carle's books appeal with children, is his understanding and mutual respect of children.