The Sun and the Moon – Eric Carle

Discovering an Eric Carle illustration
that is over 50 years old
is delightful.
His words give new meaning to the art.

“I often include the sun, and the moon, in my books and in a way I am trying to honor them by doing so. The sun and the moon have risen and set for billions of years and I feel it is the least I can do to put them in my books. Also, the sun and moon provide us with so much: light and warmth for plants and animals. Sunrise marks the beginning of our day (in most places in the world) and the calm moon is a source of comfort in the night. Both in the sky and on the page of a book, the presence of the sun and the moon let us know whether it’s day or night.”

– Eric Carle
Illustrations for “I See a Song.” First published in 1973.
Unknown's avatar

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
This entry was posted in art, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, picture books, The Arts, wonder and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

69 Responses to The Sun and the Moon – Eric Carle

  1. barbtaub's avatar barbtaub says:

    This made my day! Thanks so much for sharing this delightful and new (to me) Eric Carle masterpiece.

  2. beth's avatar beth says:

    What a wonderful and timely discovery

  3. srbottch's avatar srbottch says:

    Well, when you look at them this way, then I guess they deserve all the special recognition that he gives to them. The sun has been shining everyday for the past week except for one very cloudy day… you guessed it, April 8th, eclipse day. I’ll have to wait another lifetime to try again😂😎!

  4. This man is such a fond memory from my children’s childhood.

  5. K.L. Hale's avatar K.L. Hale says:

    Jennie, what a perfect painting and post to share with us as we begin a new week! Thank you for being you! Eric Carle continues to inspire–just as you do! 💕❣️🤗

  6. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar Bruce@WOTC says:

    Jennie, I had not seen this before. Wonderful art, as well as the inspiration behind it.🙂

  7. Delightful and beautiful he has written about the sun and the moon that is always there on our Earth. Great post Jennie 😊

  8. His work made the world a richer place.

  9. L. Marie's avatar L. Marie says:

    I’ve never seen this book! I think I’ve only seen a few of his books.

  10. ~Curiosity~'s avatar ~Curiosity~ says:

    Love any books by Eric Carle. Love reading them to my little one =)

  11. quiall's avatar quiall says:

    Symbols of stability.

  12. Ritu's avatar Ritu says:

    Beautiful! 🌞 🌙

  13. Love his books and his artwork. A true treasure.

  14. Darlene's avatar Darlene says:

    How wonderful. The painting and the worlds. He continues to amaze!!

  15. A wonderful Quote Jennie and beautifully illustration.. ❤

  16. Dan Antion's avatar Dan Antion says:

    That is such a beautiful illustration, Jennie. I love it. Thanks!

  17. I love the image and what Carle had to say about including the sun and the moon in his books!

    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:

      I feel exactly the same way! On a side note, I’m doing a little detective work. The book the illustration is from his book titled I See a Song. I immediately ‘knew’ that book must have been Eric Carle’s tribute to Kandinsky who always saw music when he painted. Kandinsky was one of the five ‘forbidden artists’ who changed Carle’s life. Carle has painted tributes to the others. So, I contacted the museum. Fingers crossed on my sleuthing. Sorry for the long comment.

  18. johnrieber's avatar johnrieber says:

    I love this, and I love that art can be discovered at any time – because it lives forever.

  19. Luanne's avatar Luanne says:

    Aw this is so special.

  20. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:

    Your delight in that discovery not only makes me happy, but also makes me appreciate the art even more.

    Best wishes, Pete.

  21. frenchc1955's avatar frenchc1955 says:

    Hi Jennie! This is a wonderful discovery.

  22. very nice . I will also give them space in my everyday diary .

    thanks for your lovely post .

  23. Pingback: The Sun and the Moon – Eric Carle – MobsterTiger

  24. Keerthi's avatar Keerthi says:

    “Sunrise marks the beginning of our day (in most places in the world) and the calm moon is a source of comfort in the night. ”

    This is beautiful

  25. A delightful picture, Jennie

  26. Shaharee's avatar Shaharee says:

    I read once a delightful comment in The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. One of her protagonists stated that when the shape of the moon was Christo, it indicated a waning moon. When de moon was Dios, it indicated a waxing moon.

  27. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Jennie! Another masterpiece by Erik Carle. We can trust on him, for great ideas. Best wishes, Michael

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