Eric Carle's books are part of most people's childhood. Books like The Grouchy Ladybug and The Very Hungry Caterpillar captivate young readers and pre-readers with their colorful graphics and simple educational themes. His books are so popular that the best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has sold nearly 30 million copies since its publication in 1969. He has illustrated nearly 80 children's books using his signature technique, and while some are no longer in print, around 40 are still found on bookstore shelves today.
Carle creates his brilliant illustrations using a unique collage technique. Taking hand-painted papers, Carle cuts and layers each piece until he creates beautiful images, usually of animals and other natural wonders. Some books feature life-like details, like the sound of a cricket or duck and the blinking light of a firefly. These details and marvelous illustrations combined with stories that children can easily relate to make these a favorite of kids and parents alike. Eric Carle's books often cover important educational topics, like numbers, letters, and the days of the week, which makes them popular with teachers of young children. Teachers in preschool and lower elementary classrooms often incorporate these beautiful stories into their classrooms.
Biographical Information
- Biographical Notes for Eric Carle – Biographical information from the illustrator's official website.
- Eric Carle Author Study – An interview and study on the illustrator from Scholastic.
- Eric Carle: Beyond Typical – A detailed biography from someone who has had a lifelong love of his books.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Study Guide (PDF File)– A detailed lesson guide provided by the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth College.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Unit – A unit of lesson plans and activities designed for grades K-3.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Teacher Guide – A guide showing how to teach about Eric Carle and his most popular and famous book.
The Grouchy Lady Bug
- Literature Pocket Activities – Activities designed for younger elementary students as they study the Grouchy Lady Bug.
- A Quest for Respect with the Grouchy Ladybug – A unit study that focuses on teaching children how to earn and give respect using the classic children's tale.
- ALEX Lesson Plan: The Grouchy Lady Bug – Teaches children to thoughtfully listen as they hear the story read to them.
- The Grouchy Ladybug Thematic Unit – This unit covers most subjects while focusing on the book.
Eric Carle Lesson Plans
- Eric Carle Lesson Plans – Over 150 lesson plans submitted and reviewed by teachers.
- Pres chool Eric Carle Lessons – Lists a variety of activities perfect for the preschool setting that revolve around Eric Carle's books.
- Eric Carle Collage with Color Theory – An art lesson plan that revolves around Eric Carle's artwork.
Eric Carle Book Reviews
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar Review – A review of Carle's most popular work.
- Eric Carle Book Reviews – Lists all of Eric Carle's books and has reviews from members who have read them.
- 10 Little Rubber Ducks Review – A detailed review of one of Carle's lesser-known books.
- Eric Carle's ABC Review – A comprehensive review of Carle's colorful ABC primer.
