Every visit to the Eric Carle Museum is a new and exciting adventure. I always discover something wonderful. Yes, it’s that good.
When I arrived I headed to the Art Studio. I wish every elementary school teacher could visit and become inspired. Oh, their teaching would definitely change. I’ve always noticed that the art tables are covered in black paper. It makes the art projects stand out. So, I ‘hiked up my big boy pants’ and asked the director if I could have a sheet of their paper. He gave me two, and loved hearing my story.
Then it was on to the exhibits!
I was excited to see the new exhibit, the work of the late Jerry Pinkney. His illustrations are glorious. I choose that word because it means more than fabulous. I have a few of his books, and I was lucky to meet him some years ago. Interestingly, the art displayed at the exhibit was all new to me, and oh so beautiful. Jerry Pinkney is a master at recreating fairy tales, and his story and art of The Little Mermaid is truly filled with beauty.
My two favorite Jerry Pinkney quotes:
Jerry painted to music, and one of his favorite songs was “Respect” by Aretha Franklin.
Oh, to have been there watching him paint to one of the best songs!
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The other new exhibit was about Ferdinand the bull. Do you remember The story of Ferdinand? It is a classic picture book.
Here is an original copy. Big wow!
I am, and always will be, amazed at seeing the original art of beloved picture books. As I was looking at the original illustrations to Ferdinand, it was a ‘how can it be that I am here, inches away from these marvelous original drawings?’ moment. I was able to get so close!
My favorite is Ferdinand peeking out of the dark entrance. Children love this book today as much as they did in 1936 when it was published. Ferdinand loves nothing better than sitting under the cork tree smelling flowers. When a bee stings him he reacts like an angry bull, and is whisked away to the bullfights. Poor Ferdinand! The people are upset as he refuses to fight with the matador, so he is taken back home to once again be under his beloved cork tree.
Walt Disney did an animated short based on the book that won an Academy Award. In his heyday, Ferdinand was as popular as Mickey Mouse and the Lone Ranger’s horse Silver.
I have a red Beanie Baby bull which I use when I read the book to children. Add a flower and a bee, and the story comes to life.
It is fitting that the museum displays a bull painting by Eric Carle.
There is a permanent display about Eric Carle and his life in a designated hallway. I always view this display at every visit. Always! Here are my favorite photos from this visit:
Jennie
P.S. I’ll be writing about Jerry Pinkney’s fairy tales. Stay tuned!
A Teacher's Reflections 
I always say this, but how lucky are you to have this so close!
I really am the lucky one, Ritu! Thanks!
Your favourite museum never fails to inspire and it is easy to understand why you never tire of visiting it. I had never heard of Ferdinand The Bull, and now I am going to try to find that original animation of his story. Found it! Best wishes, Pete.
You are right, it always inspires. I remember the animated picture you found! Thanks, Pete.
Love your. Is it’s to Eric’s museum, always full of joy!
It is, FR! Many thanks!
I always love reading about your visits to this museum, Jennie. We LOVE Ferdinand!
I’m so glad you love my visits! And Ferdinand was always a favorite since childhood, so you can imagine how special it was to see this exhibit.
What a wonderful day out 💕💕
It was! 😍
So much to like. Especially those Jerry Pinkney quotes.
I think so, too! Thanks, Jacqui.
It looks like it was a fantastic visit. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with the black paper and your future posts about this past visit.
Should I ever get to your neck of the woods, I will be sure to visit this museum (right after I visit you, of course!) I always loved Ferdinand. Did I ever think I would end of living in his country?
I got excited just reading about your visit!
Awww… I’m so glad! 🥰
I Loved Ferdinand!
Me, too!
This is so beautiful, Jennie. Thank you!
Jennie, a trip to this museum is always a welcome one. Ferdinand is a very fond memory, and it is so nice to see they have an exhibit there. (That red Beanie Baby bull has got a pretty good gig if you ask me!)
So much to love here, Jennie! This made me smile, about the black paper:
“So, I ‘hiked up my big boy pants’ and asked the director if I could have a sheet of their paper. He gave me two, and loved hearing my story.” Yay, you!
Looking forward to learning more about Jerry Pinkney!
xo! 💝😊💝
How much fun! Ferdinand was one of my favorite tales when I was young and I am most grateful you shared those illustrations. You know all the best places to visit.