Eric Carle Speaks to Me

Eric Carle is one of my most FAVORITE children's books author and artist. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?” was my oldest little bookworm's very favorite book. Of course her first word was "book." Apparently it's hereditary, this obsession. But it wasn't long after, that she stumbled across her words as she said "brown bear" for the very first time. Eric Carle seems to have a way of captivating children with his words and beautiful illustrations. I think all of his books are amazing! Definite "must-haves" for a baby bookworm's library.

My personal favorite, though, is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I love the vibrant illustrations and there's just something in this story that speaks to me. Something that resonates... Maybe it's the shear fascination with the topic of metamorphosis in general. Maybe there's something about watching this small lonely creature search and search to find himself while devouring everything insight to satisfy the emptiness inside, only to become this BIGGER, FATTER version of what it once was. Then hiding away from the rest of the world, possibly self-reflecting...possibly sleeping off the one too many xanax it took after its culinary binge. Finally, witnessing its triumph over self-loathing and deprecation by shedding its cocoon and emerging into the world, a Beautiful Butterfly! Uh, um...or maybe it's the cute holes the caterpillar has eaten through the book.

So anyway...Eric Carle, my hero, has a wonderful Museum called The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA. It's an amazing and wonderful museum for children and adults. There are always great events going there perfect for exciting children about reading and books. This year they are celebrating its 6th Anniversary. On November 22nd admission is FREE, which in this economy, is always nice. You'll definitely find the Bookworm Basket family there!

For more information go to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art website.