The Carle Honors Benefit Gala

We are thrilled to be bringing back The Carle’s biggest annual event, our benefit to celebrate individuals and organizations making lasting contributions in children’s literature and picture book art. Join us with Host — Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer and author — Leslie Odom, Jr, for musical performances with Marlo Thomas and Friends, art activations, inspiring words from our honorees, and the best and brightest in the picture book community. 

The 2024 Carle Honors Honorees are:

Exclusive Premier Sponsor

Premiere Patrons

The Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation

Honoree Patron

Disney Publishing Worldwide

Host Committee

Suzanne Collins and Cap Pryor                                                                                                                                     Jane Bayard Curley                                                                                                                                                         Lydia and Robert Forbes                                                                                                                                               Janet and Bill Gorth                                                                                                                                                         Lori Rotskoff and Michael Canter                                                                                                                          Katherine Vaz and Christopher Cerf

We are delighted to be presenting the Honors in a new location with a new format, bringing focus and funds to the Museum and expanding our reach and impact. The Honors will be held at the New-York Historical Society with a presentation and reception for all, and special segments for our honorees and closest friends. In addition to fêting the four honorees, we will present a special celebration with Marlo Thomas and Friends to complement The Carle’s upcoming exhibition of Free to Be …You and Me which will open in November 2024.  In lieu of the auction, we will be highlighting the newest works added to our permanent collection.

All proceeds benefit The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, which promotes joy, tolerance, and understanding through the universally beloved medium of picture book art. In addition, a portion of the proceeds for all tickets will include a donation to our Inspiration Fund which provides complimentary tickets for artists and educators who might not otherwise be able to attend.

The 2024 Carle Honors Program:

• 5:30 pm – Doors open for all guests 
• 6:00 pm – Presentation of awards, including 
  • A celebration of Marlo Thomas and Free to Be …You and Me  

  • Unique tributes for the four honorees with Leerone Hakami, Grace Lin, Dr. Claudette McLinn, and Leonard S. Marcus 

• 7:00 – All guests are invited to the reception with cocktails, food, and mingling 

• 8:30 – Reception concludes 

About The Carle Honors

The Carle Honors 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.

 

For additional information about the Honors, Host and Sponsorship opportunities, and our 2024 Inspiration Fund, please contact Rebecca Miller Goggins, director of development at rebeccag@carlemuseum.org or 413-559-6308. 

Top illustration from The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1968. © 1968 by Uri Shulevitz, 2024 Carle Honors Artist