Eric Carle, children’s author and illustrator who created The Very Hungry Caterpillar amongst other works, has died at the age of 91.
As per sad reports, Carle’s family confirmed he had passed away on Sunday at his summer studio in Northampton, Massachusetts, surrounded by his family.
Tributes have poured in from around the world for Carle, who’s literary works inspired several generations.
“The unknown often brings fear with it,” the author once said, as per The Guardian.
“In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.”
The veteran writers and illustrator, born in Syracuse in 1929, is perhaps best known for his work The Very Hungry Caterpillar, translated into more than 66 languages and with more than 50 million copies sold.
The book, published back in 1969, tells the story of the metamorphosis of a green and red caterpillar who becomes a multi-colored butterfly.
“I remember that as a child, I always felt I would never grow up and be big and articulate and intelligent,” Carle explained to the New York Times in 1994.
“Caterpillar is a book of hope: you, too, can grow up and grow wings.”
Thousands took to Twitter to pay their condolences to Carle, amongst them some pretty well known faces indeed.
He is survived by a son and a daughter.
Rest in peace, Eric Carle, and thank you for all the fantastic books and the memories!
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