The Carle Honors Benefit Gala

About The Carle Honors

The Carle’s biggest annual event promises an evening of excitement, glamour, and inspiration with a presentation of awards and tributes for each of the honorees and their life’s work. The evening will be hosted by Mac Barnett, a New York Times bestselling author and 2025-2026 U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

The Carle Honors Awards recognize individuals in the picture book field for their dedication and creative vision. The four honorees are selected by a committee chaired by children’s book historian, author, and critic Leonard S. Marcus, founder of the Honors, in the following categories:

• Artist – Given to an individual who has shown lifelong innovation in the field.
• Angel – For an individual whose generous resources are crucial to making picture-book art exhibitions, education programs, and related projects a reality.
• Bridge – For an individual who has found inspired ways to bring the art of the picture book to larger audiences through work in other fields.
• Mentor – For an editor, designer, or educator who has championed the art form.

The 2025 Carle Honors Program

5:30 pm – Doors open for all guests 

6:00 pm – Presentation of The Carle Honors

7:00 pm – Reception with cocktails, food, and mingling

8:30 pm – Gala concludes 

Sponsorships and Donations

The Carle Honors is a key fundraiser for The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and all proceeds support the Museum’s mission to celebrate and elevate the art of the picture book, inspiring joy, hope, and understanding through this beloved medium. Corporate sponsorships, individual and corporate tickets, and donation opportunities abound. A portion of every ticket supports the attendance of select artists through our Inspiration Fund. Additional details are forthcoming, but for immediate information, please contact Rebecca Miller Goggins, director of development at 413-559-6308 or Rebeccag@carlemuseum.org.

For additional information about the Honors, please contact Meri Hoverman, development officer at merih@carlemuseum.org or 413-559-6341.