You’ve probably read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Many kids grew up with the children’s book. Eric Carle (EC) published the story in 1969. It’s the 50th anniversary!
Eric Carle is turning 90 on June 25. Before his big birthday, Carle answered questions from News-O-Matic readers!
Marie, age 9: How many books have you made?
EC: More than 70 books!
Mrs. Jordan’s class: Where did you grow up?
EC: I was born in Syracuse, New York. When I was 6 years old, I moved to Germany. I lived there until my early 20s.
Inc, age 13: Did you always want to become an author?
EC: Ever since I was young, I loved to draw. I knew I wanted to be an artist. But it wasn’t until I was an adult that I found my true course in life as an author and illustrator.
Ryan, age 9: What inspires you to write your books?
EC: I am inspired by nature. I have always loved animals and insects. My father used to take me into the woods. He would peel back the bark of a tree and show me the creatures there. Little crawly things! But ideas come from all kinds of places. Some ideas for my books have been there, inside me, for a long time. Others come to me quickly. It’s a combination of memory, design, dreams, and experiences.
Faith, age 10: What gave you the idea to write The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
EC: I was punching holes into a stack of paper, and I thought of a bookworm. So I created a story called A Week with Willi Worm. Then my editor suggested a caterpillar. I said “Butterfly!” The rest is history.
Gwen, age 10: Of all your books, which is your favorite?
EC: My favorite is Do You Want to be My Friend? because it is about friendship. But I have a special place in my heart for The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
Mattie, age 10: What is your favorite book you haven’t written?
EC: One of my favorite books that I did not write is Leo the Late Bloomer. I love how this book shows how we all grow in our own way. I was a late bloomer like Leo. I also love the illustrations!
Ella, age 9: Why do you write children's books rather than books for adults?
EC: I am interested in the child’s transition from home to school. And I have tried to create books that you can play with and a toy you can read. My hope is that my books will be a bridge between home and school. And that they will help to make this period easier.
Damian, age 11: Do you think about your time as a kid when you write?
EC: When I was a young child, my father and I would go in the forest. These times are part of the source of my work.
Hailey, age 10: Does your art inspire your writing? Or is it the other way around?
EC: I am a visual person. But over the years, I have come to enjoy the writing. To me, pictures need writing. And writing needs pictures.
Emma, age 15: If you were not an author, what job would you have?
EC: I have imagined being a chef. But I always loved making pictures. And I feel lucky to do the work I love.
Updated June 17, 2019, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Alexandra Gerlach
