Eric Carle's Blog, page 14

        March 20, 2013

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day 2013 is coming up on March 20th! Look for events and activities in your area!

I am delighted to share a sneak preview of my new book FRIENDS that will be available in bookstores later this year.

FRIENDS is a story inspired by more than one friendship in my own life, one that I had as a three year old boy, as a 6 year old taken by my parents to Germany, and another as a young man when I arrived back in the United States from Germany with my portfolio in hand. That was in 1952 when Leo Lionni was so kind to me, helping me to find work as a graphic designer and became my mentor. I have always believed that friendship is very important, I know it was for me as a child and I can still remember my strong attachments and feelings for my friends when I was a boy.
I will share more news about FRIENDS closer to its publication date, but I hope you will enjoy this sneak preview of the cover illustration!

This is my cat Fiffi from ages ago when I lived in New York City whose favorite place was in a pewter bowl on my work table where she kept me company.


And here is another friend in the cat family, my Green Lion!

Simplify, simplify, simplify. My aim with my work is to simplify and refine, be logical and harmonious. A number of years back, I made these metal sculptures of animals some of which have been included in the exhibit of my non-illustration art, Beyond Books: The Independent Art of Eric Carle currently at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. I believe these sculptures are examples of my approach applied to its fullest extent. The most simplified figure I have created.

These days, I do not miss the winter, but I have fond memories of peaceful, snowy nights with bright stars in a clear dark sky.

Just like the little rubber duck drifted South in my story, I have also happily migrated to warmer climates for the winter.

Some people are very good at finding calming words during unsettled times. I would like to add to the chorus with one of my pictures.

May there be peace for children everywhere. May there be peace for all.