Everyone knows about Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Catepillar, but how much do you know about the man behind the children’s classic?  Want to learn more?  Read on:

Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Künste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.

One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin’s eye had been caught by a striking 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 beginning of Eric Carle’s true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Eric Carle’s art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension—die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket’s song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations.


Why This Gets The Delight Seal of Approval:
-  Eric Carle Touch and Feel Stroller Cards
-  Easy to attach to a stroller, backpack, or diaper bag, these cards won’t get lost, and the interactive touch-and-feel feature makes them great independent entertainment for toddlers on the go.
-  Dimensions: 5 x 3-3/4 in
-  5 flash cards on a ring with a strap, full-color throughout, ages Infant to 3.
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-  Gorgeous eco-friendly gift wrapping available
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