Eric Carle was an illustrious American author and illustrator renowned for his work in children's literature. Born in Syracuse, New York, Carle's unique and vibrant collage illustrations captivated audiences around the globe. He gained worldwide fame with his iconic book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, initially published in 1969. This masterpiece has been translated into over 66 languages and has sold more than 50 million copies.

Carle's artistic journey soared after his collaboration on Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. Over his career, he illustrated more than 70 books, the majority of which he also wrote, with total sales exceeding 145 million copies worldwide. His lasting contributions to children's literature were recognized when the American Library Association awarded him the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal in 2003. Carle was a U.S. nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2010, reflecting his significant impact on the international stage.