Migration

Bobbie and I have recently migrated south. We are enjoying the warmth and sun in Florida (even though it hasn't been as warm as previous years) and our life near the ocean. The view of the water, watching the birds and creatures who live here, time in my studio. It is good to be back and to feel relaxed in the way we have come to associate with our Florida home.

Happy (Belated) Valentine's Day!

Doodle 4 Google

Dear Friends,

Last year, I was invited to create a doodle for the Google homepage. What a thrill to see my very own Google Doodle on March 20th, the day selected to mark the 40th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This year, Google is launching the Third Annual Doodle 4 Google competition, open to all K-12 students in the U.S. to create their own Google Doodle inspired by the theme "If I Could Do Anything, I Would..."

I am delighted to be one of the 10 Expert Jurors for the 2010 Doodle 4 Google competition. For more information on how you or your school can participate, please visit:

www.google.com/doodle4google/

I hope to see your creation among the entries!

Eric Carle

Christa's Birthday

Here I am with my sister Christa who turned 60 in January, 2010.

I was already a young man when she was born (we are more than 20 years apart in age) but I always wanted a sibling and was so happy when she was born.


Christa lives in Germany with her husband and has two grown daughters of her own now. I dedicated my book The Very Hungry Caterpillar to my sister and have been thinking of her during this time of celebration.
Happy Birthday Christa!

Happy 2010!

Christmas Memories

From my childhood in Germany, I remember the ADVENT KALENDER. From December 1 to Christmas Eve day each number on the calendar had a little door (paper flap) and each day you would open one of the doors to a picture of the season: snowfall, Christmas ornaments, Angels, Stars, Candles, Cookies and so forth.

On Christmas Eve, we all (kids, parents, grandparents, uncles & aunts) gathered ‘round the WEIHNACHTSBAUM (Christmas Tree), exchanged gifts, wished each other happiness and sang LIEDER (songs) such as OH TANNENBAUM or HEILIGENACHT (Holy Night). One of my grandfathers played the mouth harmonica for background music. I can still smell it just thinking about it: apples and chestnuts roasting on the stove.

Peace to all,
Eric Carle

Dream Snow

I created my book Dream Snow after a two year “sabbatical” from making picture books. During this time away, I created abstract art out of my painted tissue papers. I also used other materials such as silk fabric, plate glass, aluminum foil, and plastic sheathing. When I started making books again, I created Dream Snow, the story of a farmer and his animals, and a celebration of Christmas. You might have noticed that instead of a white background the animals in this book are set in front of bright colorful swatches of painted tissue papers as background.



This was a change from my previous way of working. My time away making abstract art was influencing my book art.



I had always been reluctant about making a Christmas book, but when the idea for my book Dream Snow came to me it seemed impossible to resist.