Eric Carle died this past weekend at age 91. I’m strong, and I’m prepared for most anything, yet learning today that Eric Carle died hit me hard. He was the mainstay of literature for young children. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” has never stopped being sold. Never.
I’m the butterfly at the Eric Carle Museum
A message posted online from his family, which said he died Sunday, included a poem:
In the light of the moon,
holding on to a good star,
a painter of rainbows
is now traveling across the night sky
I have a great love for his museum, and have met him in person. He hugged me like a dear old friend. I will be posting my reflections soon. R.I.P. Eric Carle.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar tattoos
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
So sad. I’m sorry for your and our loss, Jennie.
Thank you, John.
Oh, no. I’m so sorry to hear that, Jennie.
It is very sad. Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
such a terrible loss
I was thinking this morning that now he is with his wife, and he can finally meet the artists who influenced him, like Kandinsky and Matisse.
I like that thought, Jennie.
hugs
Thanks, Laura. I’m glad you did. Hugs to you.
What a beautiful thought
I’m glad you think so, too. 🥰
R.I.P a man who understood children and what their education meant. Eric Carle.
Hugs
Very much so! Best to you, David.
I am sorry to learn of this.
I hope he is playing with Dr. Seuss right now.
🙂
What a heartfelt post! It’s always sad to hear these things.
Thank you. It is very sad, and sometimes writing words can be healing.
I couldn’t agree more.
🙂
So sad. One of the greats. What a legacy he has left. He will be missed, but his work will live on. I love the poem shared by his family. Butterfly hugs, Jennie.
You are so right, Norah. I love that poem, too.
🦋💖
Such sad news. I’ve shared The Very Hungry Caterpillar so often over the years at the library, that I can still recite it verbatim even though I’ve been retired for 9 years. R.I.P. Eric Carle.🙏🏻
Me too, Kim. It is very sad news. He certainly left a legacy, and he made a big impact on my life.
I’m always sorry when people die who have contributed a lot to making the world a better place. I wish I’d had the honour of meeting Eric Carle, but reading his books to my classes was the closest I’d ever come. It’s a huge loss to the world when good people leave us. No one lives forever, but it is always sad to lose a good one.
Beautifully said, Anneli!
This is so sad. But his legacy will live on. 🙏🏼💜
Absolutely!
I enjoyed so many of his fine books. Besides The Very Hungry Caterpillar, some of my favorites were The Grouchy Ladybug, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Lonely Firefly, and The Very Busy Spider.
You picked some winners! He left his mark on so many of us. I like to think that he now has finally met the artists who influenced his art, like Kandinsky and Matisse. And he is now with his wife.
It was on the BBC just now. It made me think of you and the museum. That and his books still on the bookcase. Ah sad…
Very sad, Geoff. Thank you.
This is sad news indeed. He has made the world a better place for children, which in turn makes it a better place for all of us. You were so lucky to have met him.
He certainly has, Darlene. I was very, very lucky to have met him.
Why does life have to include these times of great sadness? I am sorry to read of his death and your/our loss…
I know… I guess we must suffer loss in order to appreciate the joyous parts of our lives.
I’m quite sad to hear this news. I loved reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and some of his other books to my daughters. He put many wonderful gifts into the world, gifts that have surely brought joy to many people.
He left his mark on so many. What joy it is to read his books to children. Thank you, Dave.
Sad news, though he lived to a grand age, and left behind an amazing legacy.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, indeed. Best to you, Pete.
I heard about his death late last night and was so sad. I loved his books, especially The Hungry Caterpillar. He was such an amazing artist in both word and illustrations. His work will live on. Hugs Jennie.
I feel the same way, Carla. Best to you! 🙂
He will live forever in the words and images of his books and in the memory of those who loved them.
You say things so beautifully, Pam. Thank you for that. 🥰
he is a once in a lifetime, but he lives on in his books that will be loved for generations to come
Yes!!
RIP Eric Carle!
Yes, indeed!
He left behind a wonderful legacy, didn’t he Jeannie. Now I see where a fine illustrator of books for pre-schoolers, Lois Ehlert has died.
Yes, he did. I saw this morning that Lois has died. Okay, things happen in threes. That has me worried.
Let’s pretend Dr. Suess was the first and the other two just took a little longer.
Yes! I love this!
Hugs and prayers… Eric Carl, you have done so much for so many, you leave us all better people! 💞
Beautifully said, Bette. Thank you! ❤️
I thought about you right away when I heard he had died. Then I thought about all my students through the years who gained confidence in reading through his books!
Thank you, Becky. I have thought of all my students over the years, too. He was a great one.
Yes!
I was saddened to learn of Eric Carle’s death today, Jennie. 91 is a good old age, but it doesn’t make the loss less.
Even though he was 91 and lived a full life, I still feel sad. On the bright side, I envision Eric Carle finally getting to meet those four great artists who influenced his life; Kandinsky, Matisse, Picasso, and Klee. What a party they must be having!
I’m sorry to hear this Jennie I’m sure he’s smiling at your heartfelt post. My deepest sympathies.
Thank you, Kanjika.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
Definitely!
I play his reading of his books to my grandsons who love all of it. He lived a good life. May he rest in peace.
He was a great one. I have read his books to children for over 30 years. I have never played his recording, as I naturally read aloud the book. I’m glad to know your grandsons love it.
A full and rich life! What more could anyone ask for?
Hear, hear!
I am so sorry too, Jennie! Had heard about him, and his German ancestry, not until his death. It really seems Germany has not as much sensibility for preschool teaching. Michael
If was sad news, Michael. He had a wonderful art teacher when he was in high school in Germany. Unfortunately it was during WWII. That teacher risked his life to show Carle the ‘forbidden art’, Matisse, Marc, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Klee. That changed his life and made him the artist. Isn’t that a wonderful story?
Thats for sure wonderful, i had not noticed before, Jennie! Thank you for this, and remembering on him. Enjoy a wonderful Sunday! Michael xx
Best to you, Michael.
Thank you, Jennie! Have a wonderful Sunday as well. Michael
A sad loss for the children. And a lovely tribute Jennie ❤
I was surprised at how sad I was. He left quite a legacy. Children are quite resilient, thank goodness. Thank you so much, Debby. 🥰
Hugs ❤
Hugs to you, Debby. 💕
Sad news, indeed! Well, his books certainly live on!
Yes, they do!