Eric Carle was born in New York in 1929 but moved to Germany when he was only 6
years old. He graduated from the prestigious art school in Germany but he really
wanted to return to America. In 1952 he found himself back in New York and landed a
job as a graphic designer.
Bill Martin, Jr. called Eric one day and asked him to illustrate a book that he had written. Most of you have heard of the story called Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? This was the beginning of his writing and illustrating career. He then decided that he wanted to write his own books so he wrote The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Eric Carle takes his stories from his extensive knowledge and love of nature which is also shared by most children. His books have a message from each story that the children can learn about their world around them.
Eric Carle has 2 grown children, a son and a daughter. He and his wife Barbara split their time between the Florida Keys and the hills of North Carolina.