History of Eric Carle in Timeline

Eric Carle was a celebrated American author, designer, and illustrator, best known for his distinctive picture books for young children. His most famous work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has achieved global recognition, selling over 50 million copies and being translated into more than 66 languages. Carle's unique style, characterized by vibrant colors and collage techniques, captivated generations of readers. He authored and/or illustrated over 70 books, selling over 145 million copies worldwide, making him a significant figure in children's literature. His impact extends beyond entertainment, fostering early learning and a love for reading.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition

June 25, 1929: Eric Carle's Birth in Syracuse, New York

On June 25, 1929, Eric Carle was born in Syracuse, New York, to Johanna (née Oelschlaeger) and Erich W. Carle.

June 25, 1929: Birth of Eric Carle

On June 25, 1929, Eric Carle, the American author, designer, and illustrator of children's books, was born.

1939: Father drafted into German Army

In 1939, Eric Carle's father was drafted into the German Army at the beginning of World War II.

May 1945: Erich Carle's Father Captured

In May 1945, Erich Carle's father was taken prisoner by Soviet forces when Germany capitulated.

1947: Father Returns Home

In late 1947, Eric Carle's father returned home from being a prisoner of war, weighing only 85 pounds and psychologically devastated.

1952: Carle Settles in New York City

In 1952, Eric Carle, always homesick for the US, returned and settled in New York City with only US$40.

1967: Publication of "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"

In 1967, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" was published and became a best-seller, marking the start of Eric Carle's illustration career.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. by Bill Martin, JR.

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1969: First Books as Author and Illustrator

In 1969, Eric Carle published his first books as both author and illustrator, which were "1, 2, 3 to the Zoo" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar".

1, 2, 3 to the Zoo

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1969: Publication of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"

In 1969, Eric Carle's renowned picture book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", was first published.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Picture Puffins)

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2002: Opening of The Eric Carle Museum

In 2002, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art opened its doors in Amherst, Massachusetts, adjacent to Hampshire College.

2003: Laura Ingalls Wilder Award

In 2003, Eric Carle received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, now called the Children's Literature Legacy Award, for his lasting contribution to children's literature.

2007: Honorary Degree from Bates College

In 2007, Eric Carle received an honorary degree from Bates College.

March 20, 2009: Google Doodle Design

On March 20, 2009, Google paid tribute to Eric Carle and his book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by commissioning him to design the Google Doodle for the first day of spring.

2010: US Nominee for Hans Christian Andersen Award

In 2010, Eric Carle was a US nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, a high international recognition for children's book authors and illustrators.

2012: "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Voted Number Two

In 2012, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" was voted the number two children's picture book behind "Where the Wild Things Are" in a School Library Journal readers' survey.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Picture Puffins)

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2013: Honorary Degree from Appalachian State University

In 2013, Eric Carle received an honorary degree from Appalachian State University.

2014: Honorary Degree from Smith College

In 2014, Eric Carle received an honorary degree from Smith College.

2016: Honorary Degree from Williams College

In 2016, Eric Carle received an honorary degree from Williams College.

October 18, 2019: Exhibition at the Frist Art Museum Opens

On October 18, 2019, the exhibition "Eric Carle's Picture Books: Celebrating 50 Years of The Very Hungry Caterpillar" opened at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

November 2019: Carle Sells Publishing Rights

In November 2019, Eric Carle sold his publishing rights to Penguin Random House.

2019: Jumping Spider Named in Carle's Honor

In 2019, a jumping spider mimicking a caterpillar was named in Eric Carle's honor to commemorate the 50th anniversary of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and his 90th birthday.

February 23, 2020: Exhibition at the Frist Art Museum Closes

The exhibition "Eric Carle's Picture Books: Celebrating 50 Years of The Very Hungry Caterpillar" at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, Tennessee closed on February 23, 2020.