In Memory of Eric Carle (1929-2021) & Lois Ehlert (1934-2021)

The world lost two legendary authors this past week. Eric Carle passed away on Sunday, May 22nd at age 91, and Lois Ehlert passed on Wednesday, May 25 at age 86.

Multi-award-winning author Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into 66 languages and sold over 50 million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than seventy books, many bestsellers, most of which he also wrote, and more than 152 million copies of his books have sold around the world. Please enjoy the collection we have put together in his honor.

Kalamazoo Public Library is pleased to offer a Storywalk at Upjohn Park that features Eric Carle’s famous book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Families of all ages are invited to walk the trail and “see what you can see.” Upjohn Park is located at 7775 Portage Rd, Kalamazoo.

Caldecott-honored author Lois Ehlert created numerous inventive, celebrated, and bestselling picture books, including Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Holey Moley, The Scraps Book, Mice, Ten Little Caterpillars, RRRalph, Lots of Spots, Boo to You!, Leaf Man, Waiting for Wings, Planting a Rainbow, Growing Vegetable Soup, and Color Zoo. Please enjoy the collection we have put together in her honor.

Oshtemo Branch Library will be hosting a Storywalk at Oshtemo Township Park featuring Ehlert’s work. Check back on our website for a start date in the coming weeks.