Children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle has passed away at the age of 91. He is famously known for the beloved classic “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
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The news was confirmed by Penguin Young Leaders who issued a statement that was released by Carle’s family. In the statement, it says that the author died at his summer studio in Northampton, Massachusetts and was surrounded by his relatives. “Thank you for sharing your great talent with generations of young readers,” his publisher Penguin Kids wrote on their official Twitter page.
Since it’s publication in 1969, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” has sold over 50 million copies and translated into 62 languages. His other well known books include “Brown Brown Bear, What Do You See?,” “Do You Want To Be My Friend?,” and “From Head To Toe.”
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He called his famous book to date a sign of “hope” during an interview with Penguin Random House in 2019.
“Children need hope. You, little insignificant caterpillar, can grow up into a beautiful butterfly and fly into the world with your talent. Will I ever be able to do that? Yes, you will. I think that is the appeal of that book.Well, I should know. I did the book, after all!”
The author retired at 89 and spent the rest of his life at his home in Florida. He is survived by his sister, son, and daughter.
SOURCE: NBC Boston