Announcing the 2026 Carle Honors Honorees

Bryan Collier (b. 1967) uses watercolor and collage to create masterful illustrations. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Collier was Program Director of the Harlem Horizon Art Studio at the Harlem Hospital Center for twelve years and continues to volunteer for the organization. He has received numerous awards for his writing and illustrations, including four Caldecott Honors and nine Coretta Scott King Awards (three honors and six winners). His book, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, was the first picture book about the future President. Black Boy, Rise, written by Brynne Barnes and illustrated by Collier, was nominated for “Outstanding Literary Work – Children” at the 57th NAACP Image Awards in February 2026. He was the 2014 U.S. nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, and he received the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award early in his career.

Ellen Michelson (b. 1956) is president of E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, a foundation that is the leading private funder of Creative Aging – arts education for adults over the age of 55. The foundation’s advocacy and philanthropic support is divided between more than 25 American art museums, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and the American Alliance of Museums. Michelson has been building a children’s book collection since 1993, with a focus on the education of children in Britain and America (17th century-20th century). A variety of books from her collection have been loaned to exhibitions at the Grolier Club (100 Books Famous in Children’s Literature, 2014); The University of Minnesota Kerlan Collection (The ABC of It, 2019); and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (CLICK! Photographers Make Picture Books, 2026). 

The International Youth Library (IYL) in Munich, Germany, is the world’s largest library for international children’s and youth literature. Founded in 1949 by Jella Lepman, it has grown to become an internationally recognized literature center. The work of the IYL is guided by the conviction that children’s and young adult books are an essential part of the cultural life of a society and a country, and as such must be preserved, documented, and shared. To bring this mission to life, the IYL runs an annual program of exhibitions, author readings, workshops, panel discussions, and an international literature festival, and offers a fellowship program for foreign researchers that is unique worldwide.

Claudia Zoe Bedrick (b. 1963) is publisher, editor, and art director of Enchanted Lion Books, an award-winning, independent press based in New York City. Enchanted Lion, which will turn twenty-five in 2027, has devoted itself to translating and creating picture books that inspire wonder and curiosity, while inviting readers of all ages into the mystery that is ours for being alive in a challenging, yet beautiful world. Enchanted Lion advocates for the picture book as a medium for both children’s and YA/adult literature, towards which end it launched its Unruly imprint in 2020. Across years and books, Enchanted Lion has sought to explore, extend, and subtilize the unique space that is the picture book, while enlarging our collective sense of what is possible.

Robert L. Forbes (b. 1949) is a collector, photographer, award-winning writer, and longtime advocate of the arts, creativity, and education. His wit, intellect, and enthusiasm inspired him to publish three books of poetry, illustrated by Ronald Searle, and Addison Mizner, Visionary Architect, illustrated by Barbara McClintock. His engaging weekly storytimes have charmed thousands of children across South Florida for nearly twenty years. Dedicated to sharing inspiring art and books with children and adults, Forbes is a Trustee Emeritus and member of the Collections Committee at The Carle, and he serves as Chair of the Library Committee and Vice Chairman of the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, FL.