Illustration of leaf and moon.
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Eric Carle, Illustration for The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle.© 1969, 1987 Penguin Random House LLC.

80/40: Celebrating the Birthdays of Eric Carle and The Very Hungry Caterpillar

February 10 - September 6, 2009
West Gallery
In celebration of Eric Carle’s 80th birthday and the 40th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the Museum presents this exhibition to chronicle Carle’s life and career. From his childhood art and professional advertising work to the creation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar (1969), visitors experienced the full spectrum of Carle’s creative genius. 

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Photograph of Eric Carle smiling.

Eric Carle

Eric Carle illustrated brilliant and innovatively designed picture books for children, including his most well-known title, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In 2002, Carle and his wife, Barbara, co-founded The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Artist website