I was saddened a few months ago when a couple of authors that I consider to be some of the "Greats" in children's literature passed away within two days of each other. Eric Carle died on May 23rd 2021 followed by Lois Ehlert on May 25th 2021. These incredible authors and illustrators contributed much over the years to children's literature with their art and storytelling. They leave behind an impressive legacy of beautiful art collage that will continue to influence and inspire many more generations of children. To honor both of these brilliant creators I thought I would highlight a few of their books and include some information about them.
Eric Carle was most famous for his book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" which was published in 1969 and since then has sold over 55 million copies around the world. He didn't stop there, he continued to write and create more than 70 books during his career as a "Picture Writer". He got started as a children's illustrator when he was asked to illustrate a book written by the author Bill Martin Jr. called "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?". This fun little rhyming book is a favorite for many children.
Written and Illustrated by: Eric Carle
Philomel Books, 1979. Picture Book.
Follows the progress of a hungry little caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food until, full at last, he forms a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep. Die-cut pages illustrate what the caterpillar ate on successive days.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?Written by: Bill Martin
Illustrated by: Eric Carle
Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1983. Picture Book.
Children see a variety of animals, each one a different color, and a mother looking at them.
Lois Ehlert began illustrating children's books written by different authors in 1961. It wasn't until she had a few titles under her belt as an illustrator that she decided to try writing and illustrating a book of her own. The first book she wrote and illustrated was "Growing Vegetable Soup" followed by "Planting A Rainbow". In 1989 Lois Ehlert accepted a job to illustrate a book for the author Bill Martin Jr. called "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom". This little book about alphabet letters going down a coconut tree became a hit. In that same year she also published her book "Color Zoo" which was named as a 1990 Caldecott Honor.
Written by: Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrated by: Lois Ehlert
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1989. Picture Book.
An alphabet rhyme/chant that relates what happens when the whole alphabet tries to climb a coconut tree.
Written and Illustrated by: Lois Ehlert
Lippincott, 1989. Picture Book.
Introduces colors and shapes with illustrations of shapes on die-cut pages that form animal faces when placed on top of one another.
It's really hard to capture in words what a book and it's message can mean to someone and how that book can shape the world through it's creation. Two amazing people have left the world but they have left a remarkable legacy through their art and books. Their books will be around for many more years and these stories will continue to shape the next generation of children. Thank you, thank you Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert.
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