A great day at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Two new picture books just came out, and they are terrific. I had the pleasure of meeting and greeting both of the authors, as they read their books to a captivated audience at the Eric Carle Museum. Both books are multigenerational – a child and and someone much older. They speak to children, pierce the heart, and leave a message of kindness.
The endings are surprising in the best of ways. Cheers to grandfathers, older folks, dogs, children, and also birds.
The artists presentation was followed by book signings. I always learn something new and wonderful, or make a connection. Who knew Heidi Stemple’s (author of Wren’s Nest) grandfather was from a small town in West Virginia close to my hometown? No one was from West Virginia, only us. And Casey Robinson (author of Small Things Mended) and I recalled discovering the Caldecott Award emblem – a galloping horse – at an earlier Carle Museum exhibit.
Birds! The newest exhibit at the museum features Eric Carle’s birds. He created so many bird illustrations for his books throughout his career; it was a feast for the eyes.
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see? I see a red bird looking at me.” Yes, I have read those word to children for decades. At last I was face-to-face with the real red bird. It was quite a moment for me to see this glorious illustration – the real deal. I looked for a long time, as if I had discovered treasure. Well, I had.
Bird after bird, all unique and made with tissue paper and vibrant paints. No one at the exhibit ‘strolled along’. The art of the birds was stunning, and patrons were ‘locked on’ to Carle’s art. For those of us who knew the birds from his books, it was quite the moment.
Did you know when Eric Carle arrived in America, he worked as a graphic designer in New York? This is an advertisement from the 1960’s for an anti-allergy medication. The technique and art for the birds is much the same as he used in his children’s book illustrations.
I highly recommend this art exhibit. If you’re an art lover, a bird lover, or a book lover, you will not be disappointed.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Wonderful, Jennie!
Thank you, Ritu! 💕
Love it!!
😍
This is wonderful, Jennie. I really need to visit this museum.
Thank you, Dan. If you ever decide to go, I’ll meet you there.
Thank you. Jennie.
😀
Lovely, I would love to visit there, but a bit too far to drive for me 🙂 😉
Yes, the drive might be quite difficult. 😍
Quite an exhibit and day spent at the museum, eh, Jennie? Beautiful bird art.
Yes, and yes!
What a fabulous exhibit. I love the birds! And you got to meet two authors! Their books look wonderful. I wish I lived closer to visit this display.
It was win-win all the way around. The exhibit really is beautiful, and the books are among the best. If you ever get to New England….🙂
the new books sound great, and the birds! I’d love to visit it all someday
The books are terrific, and I’ve always loved birds. Carle has made so many in his lifetime. I don’t think America has another museum dedicated to the art of picture books. I hope you get there one day. I’ll meet you at the museum!
that would be great
that would be great
😀
Love the way you use adult stuff as museums to make learning alive for young minds.
Thank you, Frank!
I would love the bird exhibit!
You really would, Deborah!
😊
Thanks for taking us along. Looks like a fun place to visit.
I’m glad you enjoyed the visit! Brian, it’s the only museum in America dedicated to the art of picture books. Yes, it’s a terrific museum. I’m sure you read his books to your kids.
When I see your sheer delight at visiting the museum and seeing the new books, it makes me happy for you, and for myself too. You manage to spread that enthusiasm over me like a warm blanket on a cold day, and from across an ocean.
Best wishes, Pete.
Pete, I am glad I was a warm blanket on a cold day, across an ocean. That’s as good as it gets for me. Thank you, my friend.
I’m glad you’re sharing this because we don’t have any museums like this near us. BTW, you make a very pretty caterpillar.
Thank you, Anneli!
Lovely post. I’ve found both books online and are perfect for my youngest grandson. Wren’s Nest will be first as he recently found a nest in a tree in our garden.
Thank you, Catherine. I’m glad you found the books, they are wonderful. I’ve been reading aloud to preschoolers for 40 years, and I’m picky about good books. Finding a nest in a tree is so exciting!
Definitely a museum worth a visit, Jennie!
Indeed it is. 🙂
Another fun visit to the Eric Carle Museum, Jennie. You make a very happy-looking caterpillar. 🙂
Thank you, Diana! 😀
Thank you for sharing, Jennie.
Glad you enjoyed, John.
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Oh I just loved everything about this post Jennie… the books and subject story lines and the ART.. well of course you knew I would love those colourful birds…
What a wonderful meeting and Exhibition… Sending lots of love for your weekend Jennie xx ❤
Thank you for your lovely comment, Sue. I knew you would enjoy the birds! Happy weekend to you. 💕
I adored those birds, and all of your post Jennie xx 😘
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What a fun exhibit!
It was! Thank you.
I’m happy and exciting just seeing the new books and artwork!!
I’m so glad! Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
I know that Eric Carle is one of your favorites. You make an excellent very hungry caterpillar. 😊
Thanks, Pete! 😀
I love Eric Carle’s work! Didn’t know there’s a museum of his work! Where is it?
Amherst, Massachusetts. It’s a lovely town in the western part of the state. The museum is fabulous, with three exhibits at any given time, plus a big art activity center, library, and the best bookstore I’ve ever seen.
I’ve driven by this location so many times (It is on my traverse from home to the shopping area on Rt. 9 in Hadley and across from the lovely Atkins market) but never have I stopped in. Your post has made me want to check it out sometime.
I do hope you stop in! You won’t be disappointed. Please let me know when you visit. Atkins is a ‘must’ stop after I visit the museum. Their spinach lasagne is fabulous, and of course their cider donuts are a ‘must have’.
What a wonderful post, Jennie. Thanks for including all the photos.
If you only could have seen my surprise to see the collage of you as a caterpillar! LOL. Yes it’s adorable, but what’s so funny for me is that had been making a sketch of a caterpillar with a woman’s face… except in mine she was smoking a hookah! (A sketch for the Doors writing challenge, inspired by that door from Resa of a blue woman apparently smoking something.) Big hugs.
That is so funny! What a surprise for you. I love all the connections!
What a fascinating museum of bird art. Thanks for sharing with us. ❤
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Debby. BTW, every Boston Bruins playoff game with Toronto showed a packed crowd outside your stadium. Packed!
Leaf fans are diehards, even though we always get slammed by Boston lol 🙂
🙂
Hi Jennie, a fantastic exhibition. I love birds.
Thank you, Robbie. The large collection of his bird art was beautiful. Right up your alley!
Yes 💓
Wonderful Jennie 😊🙏😊
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
How wonderful, Jennie. I wished I lived closer, I would love to visit. I really enjoy picture books with multi-generational characters, so I’m interested in both of these books.
Hi Jennie, this sounds wonderful!
Thanks, Charles. It was!
Fabulous.
Thank you, Libby!