The Eric Carle books are some of the most well-known in children’s literature today, with more than 130 million copies sold worldwide.
“You don’t have to be a child to enjoy tese picture books. But they are fun for children.” -Eric Carle
Eric Carle books list
Eric Carle authored more than 70 picture novels and sold more than 152 million copies of his novels. His illustrations were bright colors and cheerful. His tales are loved for teir sparse sentences of repetition, and their focus on processes and cycles.
What books did Eric Carle write and illustrate?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle’s most popular book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, was named one of the top 100 best-selling children’s books of all time. It has been translated into more than 30 languages and adapted in a variety of media.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar tells the story of a caterpillar who eats trough a variety of food items, eventually getting so big that he has a stomachache.
The moral of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is that you shoud stop eating when you are full. Eric Carle teaches children that it’s not about how much they are eating, but the amount that they are retaining. By teaching children about what too much food can do to your body Eric Carle hopes to teach them responsibility in the future.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you See?
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you See? is Eric Carle’s shortest children’s book.
Through repeating the title of the book over and over again Eric Carle teaches young readers how to recite the line back. This repetition helps give structure to early reading skills in a way that appeals to small children who are just beginning their education.
Do You Want to Be My Friend?
Do You Want to Be My Friend? is Eric Carle’s first board book. Eric Carle’s board books are often used in pre-school settings and Eric Carle encourages the use of his board books with young children because he believes that they stimulate the imagination.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear What do you Hear?
Eric Carle explores the different sounds made within a school setting in this book. Eric Carle uses words that all begin with the same letter to help children match written language with the spoken word. Eric Carle’s use of repeated words helps make this book appealing for children, especially those who are just learning how to read.
The Very Busy Spider
This Eric Carle story follows a spider that is very busy making preparations for winter. Eric Carle’s use of repeating words in this book help child who are learning to read because Eric Carle reinforces the importance of the letter “s.”
The Grouchy Ladybug
This Eric Carle story follows a grouchy ladybug that is looking for soeone to pick on, but Eric Carle’s use of antonyms helps him reveal to children that having a bad day sometimes means you are feeling good. Eric Carle adds in the moral at the end, reminding kids that it is okay to be grouchy now and then because everyone has those days.
A House for Hermit Crab
This Eric Carle book follows the adventures of a hermit crab that is looking for a new home. Eric Carle uses rhyming words to help young readers follow along with this story and Eric Carle adds in details abot how other sea creatures live, encouraging children who are learning to read at an early age, but also sparking their imagination.
The Very Lonely Firefly
This Eric Carle book follows a firefly who is very lonely. Eric Carle uses rhyming words to help children follow along with this story and Eric Carle adds in details about how other animals live.
Papa Please Get the Moon for Me
This Eric Carle book fllows a young girl who is very sad because she can’t reach the moon herself.
The Very Quiet Cricket
This Eric Carle book follows a cricket that is very tired of the cold weather and Eric Carle uses words that all begin with the same letter to help children identify written language.
The Mixed Up Chameleon
This Eric Carle book follows a chameleon who is very excited because he can change colors, but canot decide what color to choose.
The Tiny Seed
This Eric Carle book follows a tiny seed as it begins its journey to becoming a beautiful flower. Eric Carle reminds children about the importance of following your dreams, even if they seem impossible because noting is truly out of reach.
The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse
This Eric Carle book folows a young boy who paints pictures of blue horses and Eric Carle’s use of repetition throughout the story helps teach children how to follow along with books when they are learning to read. Eric Carle adds in detail about the different types of brushes that make this book appealing for both boys and girls, especially those interested in art.
Dream Snow
This Eric Carle book follows a young girl and her family as they travel to the mountains in search of snowflakes. Eric Carle’s words help children learn abut different winter activities, such as sledding and ice skating. Eric Carle also adds in details about how animals live during this period at the end of his story, which helps children learn more about their natural environment.
Who was Eric Carle?
Eric Carle was an American author and illustrator of many popular children’s picture books that continue to delight both kids and their parents. He worked as a graphic artist for magazines such as “Sports Illustrated“, before becoming known as the creator of the children’s picture book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. Eric Carle’s children’s picture books collection has been translated into more than 50 languages.
Eric Carle was born in New York City, on June 25th, 1929. Eric learned to read at a young age and always loved books. He also enjoyed drawing pictures for his amusement but never thought about becming an artist.
Eric lived at a very interesting time in history when both his country and the world were changing rapidly. He believed that all people should be treated equally and with respect, no matter their color or background. Eric Carle was also an advocate for children’s rights and he spent many years working to create more opportunities for children around the world.
Which are the best books by Eric Carle?
It’s hard to decide which is the best book because Eric Carle’s books are some of the best children’s illustrated books.
“A House for Hermit Crab” is a good bet. Children will enjoy following along as Eric Carle introduces them to an enchanting world of sea creatures and a pesky hermit crab on the hunt for a new home.
For those looking for something more adventurous, “The Cat in the Hat” is certainly a perfect Eric Carle book. With sleek drawings and simple prose, yhe story follows an extremely curious cat as he interrupts two bored siblings from doing their chores one rainy day with some crazy fun–like painting bluegrass green!
If you are looking for Eric Carle books that have a deeper meaning, one of the best Eric Cale’s books is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. This Eric Carle picture book tells an important story about how food brings life to all creatures–even those who are seemingly small and insignificant at first glance.
How many books did Eric Carle write?
Eric Carle has written and illustrated more than 70 picture books throughout his career. but he was best known for “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. Eric Carle was awarded many prestigious awards throughout his career.
What are the best-selling Eric Carle books?
All Eric Carle’s books from our list are great, but the best selling ones for children ages 0-12 include:
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you See?
- Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
What is Eric Carle’s most famous book character?
Eric Carle’s most famous book character is The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
What awards did Eric Carle receive for his work?
- Honorary Degree from Williams College, Williamstown, MA, 2016
- Honorary Degree from Amherst College, Amherst, MA, 2015
- Honorary Degree from Smith College, Northampton, MA, 2014
- Honorary Degree from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, 2013
- Great Friend to Kids Awards, Association of Children’s Museums, Pittsburgh, PA, 2013
- The Original Art Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Illustrators, New York, NY, 2010
- Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Literature Award presented by the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, Indianapolis, IN, 2008
- Honorary Degree from Bates College, Lewiston, ME, 2007
- The NEA Foundation Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education, 2007
- John P. McGovern Award in Behavioral Sciences, Smithsonian Institution, 2006
- Honorary Degree from Western New England College,Springfield, MA, 2004
- Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (now called the Children’s Literature Legacy Award) from the Association for Library Service to Children, American Library Association, 2003
- Honorary Degree from Niagara University, Niagara, NY, 2002
- Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, 2001
- Honorary Degree from College of Our Lady the Elms, Chicopee, MA, 2001
- Japan Picture Book Award, Presented by Mainichi Newspaper for Lifetime Achievement, 2000
- Outstanding Friend of Children, Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, 1999
- Regina Medal, Catholic Library Association, 1999
- University of Southern Mississippi Medallion from DeGrumond Collection, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattisburg, MS, 1997
- The 1995 David McCord Children’s Literature Citation, Framingham State College + The Nobscot Reading Council of the International Reading Association, 1995
- Silver Medal from the City of Milano, Italy, 1989
Eric Carle Museum
Eric Carle and his wife founded the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. The museum is dedicated to Eric’s work as an author, illustrator, and artist.
Conclusion
The books by Eric Carle are great children’s stories that have been enjoyed by millions of readers all over the world. Eric Carle was a talented and well-respected children’s author and illustrator.
