Eric Carle (b. 1929) is one of the most acclaimed and beloved illustrators of our time. The creator of more than 70 books, Carle combines winsome stories and exuberant collages that appeal to young readers and adults alike.

Eric Carle’s Picture Books: Celebrating 50 Years of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” explores the artist’s personal history and interests, varied subjects, materials, and artistic techniques. The exhibition presents nearly 100 original artworks spanning five decades of Carle’s picture-book career. On view are illustrations ranging from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, his 1967 collaboration with Bill Martin, Jr., to The Nonsense Show, his playful ode to Surrealism published in 2015. Between these milestones, twenty-two familiar titles are represented with a special section devoted to the golden anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Eric Carle’s Picture Books: Celebrating 50 Years of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” was organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts.