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!
That’s so nice, Anneli. 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!)
Yes, it’s always a welcome visit. I’m so glad you have fond memories of Ferdinand, too! The red bull definitely has a good gig. Thank you, Bruce.
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! 💝😊💝
I was so brave! You will love hearing more about Jerry Pinkney. Soon!
Yay! 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.
I’m so glad Ferdinand was one of your favorites, too! Honestly, being ‘right there’ with the illustrations was a great experience. Thank you for your kind words, Annette.
The Eric Carle museum seems like a wonderful museum. I certainly remember Ferdinand, both the book and the Disney short film. It is a great story.
It is a wonderful museum. They always have three exhibits, and seeing Ferdinand was a treat for me, too. It was a childhood favorite (I loved the Disney film), and I get to read it to my preschool class.
In Sweden where I grew up they showed the Ferdinand movie on TV every Christmas Eve at 3PM for several decades. We always watched it. The same procedure every year. After that we opened presents.
That is just wonderful! Thank you for telling me.
I alwayts enjoy your visits to the Eric Carle Museum, Jennie. It makes me happy to see you always coming away with fresh ideas and things to share with your blogging followers.
I’m so glad, Pete! I do get inspired and enjoy sharing things with my fellow bloggers. 😀
i love to read about your visits to the museum! you always find something new to enjoy along with your old favorites. i have always loved ferdinand, both for the story and the illustrations. i continued to read this book to my class, year after year. i love the idea of the black paper used to make the art stand out, that’s brilliant, and i’m glad you had the courage to ask for some of it. ❤
Thanks so much, Beth! I love sharing my visits because I discover so much, old and new. Yes, Ferdinand will always be a favorite! Don’t you wish you had known about the black paper when you were teaching? Definitely brilliant.
yes, it’s definitely a ‘why didn’t i think of that?’ moment
I knew you would say that. 😀
What an interesting museum, and wonderful art by Jerry Pinkney.
The museum is dedicated to the art of picture books, so for me it’s a haven. Pinkney’s art is amazing.
Another great visit to one of your favorite places.
Wonderful post, Jennie!
Thank you, Cathy!
What children’s wonderland Jennie and I know that Disney World seems to be the most favoured destinations but I think this should be up there on the list with parents. ♥
Thanks so much, Sally. I agree!
Hi Jennie, I would love to visit this museum. Richard Scarry, also an American author and illustrator, wrote that the best writers write for children and the best illustrators illustrate books for children 💜
Oh, Robbie, you would love this museum! I’m so glad you know Richard Scarry. His books are wonderful. Thank you for sharing his quote! He was right!
I remember this quote because I also think he is right.
Yes!!
💚
I loved Ferdinand the Bull when I was little and I used to have a copy, but I’m not sure where it went. I did see the Disney short as well. Someday I will get to the Eric Carle museum. It is on my bucket list. I wonder what the exhibits will be when i finally make my way there.
I loved Ferdinand, too! The museum has a great website that tells you the exhibits and what’s ahead. http://www.carlemuseum.org
That’ll be perfect for planning my trip, when I can fit it in.
😀
how wonderful! I remember thinking that the lovely ladies at the bull fight in Ferdinand were the ultimate in female beauty… how wonderful to see the art work in this way! xx
Yes, it was. Thank you.
Wonderful museum and such lovely stories. People have so many imaginations and especially children would love to listen to such stories. Thanks a lot Jennie for this marvellous post.
Thank you, Kamal! You are so right.
You are always welcome dear Jennie ❤️
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏❤️
Hello
Thanks for giving us a taste of the museum through this post. Ferdinand the bull was new to me and I look forward to checking out the story with my grandkids. However I do know Pinkney’s work and my children had a couple of his books when they were little and I remember that they enjoyed exploring his art because of the great details. I look forward to your next post on Pinkney and wishing you a great day Jennie Jen
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Yvette. Perhaps Ferdinand is best known in the U.S. The story is wonderful, and I hope you get to share it with your grandkids. I’m so glad you know Pinkney’s books. Yes, his art is very detailed, absolutely beautiful! The fact that they explored his art is wonderful! Pinkney post next week!
A wonderful museum Jennie. Thanks for sharing some of it with us. 😍
Oh wow! Thank you Jennie!
I learned some new things here, mainly that there is an Eric Carle Museum.
I adore Ferdinand.
I truly enjoyed this post.