Eric Carle, author of beloved children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar died at age 91 on Sunday in his Massachusetts home.
Carle passed at his summer studio in Northampton, Massachusetts, from kidney failure with family by his side. He had written over seventy children’s books, with his most notable work being: The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
In an official statement, his family said: “In the light of the moon, holding on to a good star, a painter of rainbows is now travelling across the night sky,”
Many have flooded social media to pay tribute to the beloved author.
Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist, Flea tweeted: “Oh man, I love Eric Carle. Cannot count the times my children and I were cuddled up, completely enraptured in the glory of his books.”
“He was a gift to humanity. Love forever, broken through to the other side, Eric Carle.”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama also shared her condolences, saying: “His work has been read (and re-read, and re-read) tens of millions of times over the years, one generation’s gift to the next.”
“Thank you @EricCarle for filling our lives with so much wonder and joy.”
Thank you for a lifetime of colors and kindness 💕 Eric Carle has been one of my biggest inspirations as a storyteller and artist. His books will be a source of comfort to so many of us forever. Rest In Peace, you’ll be so missed. pic.twitter.com/8qnjbWU5fS
— Angela Oddling (@angelaoddling) May 27, 2021
Like myself, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has and continues to be a staple in many childhoods since its publication on June 3, 1969 – making it nearly 52 years old.
No one can forget its unique, childlike art style of bright colours, as well as the heartwarming story of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
Carle has previously touched upon his iconic work, stating that the book represents the hope of growing older into the vision of adulthood that children have in their minds.
“I remember that as a child, I always felt I would never grow up and be big and articulate and intelligent,” Carle said.
“‘Caterpillar’ is a book of hope: you, too, can grow up and grow wings.”
His other popular works include Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and The Grouchy Ladybug.
At the Eric Carle Museum, 2012 and 2021. Thank you, sir, for all the wonderful books and this amazing space to celebrate them. @carlemuseum pic.twitter.com/LfOgwaBXeA
— Laura A Woollett (@LauraAWoollett) May 31, 2021
