Eric Carle: The Picture Writer

Eric Carle is the author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, an internationally known children’s picturebook. In The Art of Eric Carle, Eric describes how he received a letter from a child that stated he was a good picture writer.

His illustrations are pure joy

For me, I think that is the perfect way to describe his work. He has captured the viewer with his brilliant illustrations and takes us through the story one beautiful page at a time. Although he has written and illustrated several of his own children’s picturebooks he has also illustrated many for other writers.

Picturebooks may have separate authors and illustrators. However, there are several talented illustrators that are brilliant at both. One of my favorites is Eric Carle. 

Have a peek inside the beautiful portrait of Eric Carle containing full-colour art work and illustrations, autobiography, essays, reflection by longtime friend and editor Ann Beneduce, insightful speech by Eric Carle, and a full colour illustrated international bibliography.

His words captivate, inform, and entertain children around the world. His illustration style using tissue paper collage with its beautiful bright colors, texture and overlays are works of art. One glance at an illustration or cover and it’s immediately evident that it’s the work of Eric Carle.

I was set on fire! It was possible, after all, to do something special, something that would show a child the joy to be found in books.

Eric Carle, describes how he felt when asked to illustrate Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Dr. Bill Martin Jr from The Art of Eric Carle pg 33.

His picturebooks are for everyone; parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers and of course children. All enjoy his picturebooks. When I saw the beautiful front cover of The Art of Eric Carle, I purchased it immediately. I am so happy and thrilled to own this beautiful book. 

You must not rush a good story

It is not a picturebook, it is an everything Eric Carle book. It is his story and his art. Reading his autobiography I am taken back to his thoughtful and special storytelling manner in Eric Carle, Picture Writer: The Art of The Picture Book interview. His calm, open and authentic self is shared intimately as though we are all in his studio with him. I felt, as young Eric must have felt too when waiting for a story from his artist uncle ~ eager but patient. You must not rush a good story.

“First you have to wind up my thinking machine” ~ Onkel August

He is a gifted storyteller, creating both a simple and complex story at the same time. I imagine as a person, he was also the same. I never met Eric Carle, but I know I would have immediately liked him. I’m grateful he shared so much of himself with the world. Someday I would like to visit his museum. Anyone you know that enjoys his wonderful picturebooks will love a copy of this book. It is both stunning and moving; Eric Carle’s work will endure for generations to come.

The interview below has that same Eric Carle quality, you just know he’s special. If you have 32 minutes it is worth the watch.

Eric Carle discusses his life and work.