SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
SLJ Blog Network +
  • 100 Scope Notes
  • A Fuse #8 Production
  • Good Comics for Kids
  • Heavy Medal: A Mock Newbery Blog
  • Teen Librarian Toolbox
  • The Classroom Bookshelf
  • The Yarn
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About/Contact
  • *Best New Books*
    • Annual Best Lists
  • Reviews
    • One Star Review
    • Nonfiction
    • Toon Reviews
  • Articles
    • Authors
    • Link Du Jour
  • Covers
    • Covering the Newbery
    • Cover Curiosity
    • Unfortunate Covers
  • News
    • Books on Film
    • Morning Notes
  • Newsletter

May 27, 2021 by Travis Jonker

The Children’s Literature Community Responds to the Passing of Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert

May 27, 2021 by Travis Jonker   Leave a Comment

Two monumental children’s book creators, Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert, passed away this week. When you saw any of their books, you knew instantly who created them. And when you read them, you were always in the hands of a master.

I never met Eric Carle, but I did once kindly ask him to be my tattoo artist. And he did comment on this blog once. It was in response to this ridiculous post. What a good guy. What an artist.

SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Like Carle, Lois Ehlert just kept on making great books late into her life. Ehlert’s The Scraps Books remains my favorite picture book autobiography of all time.

After the news broke, the children’s book community (and the world) shared their love for these two legends.

His work has been read (and re-read, and re-read) tens of millions of times over the years, one generation’s gift to the next. Thank you @EricCarle for filling our lives with so much wonder and joy. ?? https://t.co/w1DysR6nNw

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) May 27, 2021

Very sad news: legendary author and artist Eric Carle, creator of such classics as 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar,' 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?,' and many other beloved works, has died at age 91 https://t.co/4k1wy8aGE5 pic.twitter.com/hGSri0muZ3

— Children's Bookshelf (@PWKidsBookshelf) May 26, 2021

Very sad news: Lois Ehlert, creator of more than 30 picture books including the Caldecott Honor-winning ‘Color Zoo,’ died yesterday at age 85 pic.twitter.com/AyRnHsRso4

— Children's Bookshelf (@PWKidsBookshelf) May 26, 2021

Eric Carle’s books have been a treasure for generations of children in Massachusetts and around the world. My heart goes out to his loved ones, his countless fans, and to the @carlemuseum in Amherst that will carry on his memory. https://t.co/nNMQHtHQG2

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 27, 2021

This is the gift that Eric Carle gave me on the first day I visited his studio. Over the next 13 years he gave me such a greater gift: his friendship. A gentleman w/ a mischievous charm. RIP. pic.twitter.com/jyJdJfzqCN

— Mo Willems' Pigeon (@The_Pigeon) May 26, 2021

RIP Eric Carle — genius, visionary, children's literature advocate, artist, human being, defender of the art of illustration. You made us all want to reach for the moon. pic.twitter.com/lg0YRItONA

— Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) May 26, 2021

So sad to hear that Eric Carle has passed. His work always reminds me to embrace the JOY in art, to not being afraid of stepping off the well-trodden path. #RIPEricCarle pic.twitter.com/SNTDNyx4MI

— Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@inkyelbows) May 27, 2021

Eric Carle once told me, “be bold and mighty forces will join you.” I’ve hoped to be bold in my creative pursuits. I don’t know if I’m there yet but I’m forever grateful. Thank you for your time, your wisdom, and the worlds you created for our little ones. Rest in Love, sir. pic.twitter.com/L8xHppT8SL

— Pablo Cartaya (@phcartaya) May 27, 2021

Lois Elhert taught me that a children’s book could be simple and graphic and still take your breath away. RIP (Rest in Pictures) ???????? https://t.co/gUDWpHHqAy

— Stephen Savage (@Savageartist) May 26, 2021

Rest In Peace, Eric Carle. What a life he lived, and what a legacy he leaves behind. pic.twitter.com/YN4sk31b67

— Matt Tavares (@tavaresbooks) May 27, 2021

The first time I met him he gave me the my first award. A Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators.

He was being honored for a lifetime achievement award.

"I'm honored to meet you Mr Carle. I'm a huge fan"

"Heh-heh. Just call me Eric."

RIP Eric Carle

You were a legend pic.twitter.com/a127lzh2Dl

— Dan “DANley Tucci” Santat? (@dsantat) May 26, 2021

Too much for one day in the children’s book world. ?

— Deborah Freedman (@DeborahFreedman) May 27, 2021

Sad to hear the passing of Lois Ehlert. She made so many beautiful books and illustrations. I know Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is read often in our home. So much beauty in these strong, simple, bold shapes. Rest well Lois, thank you. pic.twitter.com/E0ZXcYgpaV

— Tad Carpenter (@TadCarpenter) May 26, 2021

RIP Eric Carle. Thanks for sharing your considerable gifts with the world.

— Nikki Grimes (she/her) (@nikkigrimes9) May 27, 2021

To have spent some time with Eric Carle was the closest thing one could get to hanging out with the actual Santa Claus. His books and his advocacy for the arts will continue to ripple through time. But we in the children’s book community will miss him terribly. pic.twitter.com/HnH8ggW2u7

— Jarrett J. Krosoczka (@StudioJJK) May 26, 2021

Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle! Thank you! Thank you! Thanks for the color & fun you gave us. CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM WILL THERE BE ENOUGH ROOM? <3 BROWN BEAR BROWN BEAR WHAT DO YOU SEE? <3 pic.twitter.com/WQpwGUfrdn

— Alia Jones (@readitrealgood) May 26, 2021

Thank you for everything, Eric Carle. Your books are printed on our hearts.

??????????….?#RememberingEricCarle ???#AnotherGiantRests https://t.co/Y7XHzv36nu pic.twitter.com/hZ30nqimb4

— Laurie Halse Anderson is writing (@halseanderson) May 26, 2021

Eric Carle has died- but he left us the unforgettable Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear- books i read to my children and now my grandchildren. Loving thoughts with his family and very much gratitude for Mr Carle.?? https://t.co/McNZ6IxROa

— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) May 26, 2021

The memories of my childhood (and now my children’s memories) are FILLED with bright colors thanks to the wonderful artwork of Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert. ?

R.I.P. and Thank You to two of the best to ever do it. ?? https://t.co/56jcnrLyqs pic.twitter.com/9asTzDsdaU

— Minh Lê (@bottomshelfbks) May 26, 2021

RIP to both Lois Ehlert AND Eric Carle

Two huge talents, dedicated to bringing color and love to children.

— Angie Manfredi (@misskubelik) May 26, 2021

Sorry to hear of the passing of the great Lois Ehlert. Among her many books Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was a Ponti family favorite. pic.twitter.com/PAfoHyzblC

— James Ponti (@JamesPonti) May 26, 2021

Lois Ehlert was such a big part of the @CCBCwisc. She selected our furniture, wrapped cement pillars in cloth, designed the cover of CCBC Choices, and created this gorgeous glass wall. She was one of a kind and we’ll miss her a lot. pic.twitter.com/gUwCHQ4bKe

— KT Horning ???? (@kthorning) May 26, 2021

I’m really glad I was able to work on at least one book project w/ Eric Carle. Being included in his “What’s Your Favorite ___” series meant the world to me as a child who loved/devoured his books. Thank you for bringing so much joy & wonder to a kid who just wanted to create ? pic.twitter.com/aTfCJHCpuL

— ??Chainsaw Shan?? (@shannondrewthis) May 26, 2021

Eric Carle AND Lois Ehlert. The children's literature world mourns these luminaries. #EricCarle #LoisEhlert @carlemuseum https://t.co/Lzx41PjSnW

— Lisa Yee is in the house (@LisaYee1) May 26, 2021

Rest in peace Eric Carle. Your books are a magic treasure for both young and old. Thank you for sharing them with us. https://t.co/X0pOevHqng

— Ellen ? Oh (@ElloEllenOh) May 27, 2021

Here’s a video of Eric Carle painting with Fred Rogers https://t.co/6hyCYamIaA pic.twitter.com/j2vLLWHsAY

— Austin Kleon (@austinkleon) May 27, 2021

You were a Visionary. A Legend. An Artist. A Friend. I will miss your kindness, your humor and our mutual love of food–especially schnecken. Godspeed, Eric Carle.? pic.twitter.com/s3Ml2bwt98

— Tony DiTerlizzi (@TonyDiTerlizzi) May 26, 2021

Ah Eric Carle. Nobody ever managed such a strong combination of bright life & dignity in the work. The books still feel like clear-eyed statements of design & deep love for the form. All I ever wanted to make was a cover as good as these. RIP. pic.twitter.com/9j09mMrqvW

— jon klassen (@burstofbeaden) May 27, 2021

I am imagining Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert making collages & having festive beverages at the Pearly Gates Heavenly Bar tonight.
Thank you for making so many readers so very happy, again & again, & forever.
Lit legends, remembered eternally with love?#RIPEricCarle #RIPLoisEhlert

— Samantha Berger (@BergerBooks) May 27, 2021

The very talented Eric Carle 1929-2021 pic.twitter.com/i1Fo6ONXyf

— Leo Espinosa (he/him) (@Studio_Espinosa) May 27, 2021

Filed under: News

SHARE:

Read or Leave Comments

About Travis Jonker

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts

March 2023

Strega Nona Stamps Are Coming

by Travis Jonker

March 2023

2023 Caldecott Jump

by Travis Jonker

February 2023

Owl Diaries Coming to AppleTV+

by Travis Jonker

February 2023

Unexclusive Cover Reveal: JUST ONE FLAKE by Travis Jonker

by Travis Jonker

February 2023

Surprise! Announcing CABOOSE

by Travis Jonker

ADVERTISEMENT

SLJ Blog Network

100 Scope Notes

The Pumphrey Bros Are on The Yarn Podcast!

by Travis Jonker

A Fuse #8 Production

Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Gerald McBoing Boing by Dr. Seuss

by Betsy Bird

Good Comics for Kids

It’s Jeff! | This Week’s Comics

by Lori Henderson

Heavy Medal

March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Teen Librarian Toolbox

Writing Quietly (…While Surrounded by Loud Things), a guest post by Helena Fox

by Amanda MacGregor

The Classroom Bookshelf

The Classroom Bookshelf is Moving

by Erika Thulin Dawes

The Yarn

Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey Try Something New

by Travis Jonker

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles on SLJ

2 Middle Grade Novels That Explore Climate Change in Different Ways

Ask Jason Reynolds Anything!

Graphic Novels: Inclusivity Fuels the Continued Boom!

SPONSORED

Making a Mark on Musical History: Flack, Franklin, and Beach | Biography Spotlight

Carole Lindstrom Turns Family History into a Song of Hope

Commenting for all posts is disabled after 30 days.

ADVERTISEMENT

Archives

  • Author/Illustrator Blogs

    • Erin Stead Illustration
    • Hey, Rabbit!
    • James Preller's Blog
    • MATTHEWCORDELLBLOGS
    • Mo Willems Doodles
    • The Scop
  • Book Blogs I Like

    • A Book and a Hug
    • A Fuse #8 Production
    • A Kids Book a Day
    • A Year of Reading
    • Abby (the) Librarian
    • Awful Library Books
    • Becky’s Book Reviews
    • Better Book Titles
    • Book-A-Day Almanac
    • Bookends
    • books4yourkids.com
    • bookshelves of doom
    • Bottom Shelf Books
    • Calling Caldecott
    • Caustic Cover Critic
    • Chad C. Beckerman
    • Charlotte’s Library
    • Cheryl Rainfield
    • Chicken Spaghetti
    • CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATION
    • Collecting Children’s Books
    • Cybils
    • EarlyWord
    • educating alice
    • Finding Wonderland
    • For Those About to Mock
    • Good Comics for Kids
    • Good Show Sir
    • GottaBook
    • Great Kid Books
    • Heavy Medal: A Mock Newbery Blog
    • Hi Miss Julie!
    • Jen Robinson’s Book Page
    • Kidsmomo
    • Maria T. Middleton Design
    • Nerdy Book Club
    • Neverending Search
    • Nine Kinds of Pie
    • One Book, Two Books, Old Books, New Books
    • Out of the Box
    • Oz and Ends
    • PlanetEsme
    • Read Roger
    • Reading Rants!
    • Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
    • sharpread
    • ShelfTalker
    • so tomorrow
    • The Children's Book Review
    • The Miss Rumphius Effect
    • Uncovered Cover Art
    • Waking Brain Cells
    • Watch. Connect. Read.
  • Library Blogs

    • ALSC Blog
    • Blue Skunk Blog
    • librarian.net
    • LISNews
    • Stephen's Lighthouse
    • Tame The Web: Libraries and Technology
    • Tame The Web: Libraries and Technology
    • Unshelved
  • Follow This Blog

    Enter your email address below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email.

    This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

    This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

    Primary Sidebar

    • News & Features
    • Reviews+
    • Technology
    • School Libraries
    • Public Libraries
    • Age Level
    • Ideas
    • Blogs
    • Classroom
    • Diversity
    • People
    • Job Zone

    Reviews+

    • Book Lists
    • Best Books
    • Media
    • Reference
    • Series Made Simple
    • Tech
    • Review for SLJ
    • Review Submissions

    SLJ Blog Network

    • 100 Scope Notes
    • A Fuse #8 Production
    • Good Comics for Kids
    • Heavy Medal
    • Neverending Search
    • Teen Librarian Toolbox
    • The Classroom Bookshelf
    • The Yarn

    Resources

    • 2022 Youth Media Awards
    • The Newbery at 100: SLJ Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Award
    • Special Report | School Libraries 2021
    • Summer Reading 2021
    • Series Made Simple Spring 2021
    • SLJ Diverse Books Survey
    • Summer Programming Survey
    • Research
    • White Papers / Case Studies
    • School Librarian of the Year
    • Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Awards
    • Librarian/Teacher Collaboration Award

    Events & PD

    • In-Person Events
    • Online Courses
    • Virtual Events
    • Webcasts
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe
    • Media Inquiries
    • Newsletter Sign Up
    • Content Submissions
    • Data Privacy
    • Terms of Use
    • Terms of Sale
    • FAQs
    • Diversity Policy
    • Careers at MSI


    COPYRIGHT © 2023


    COPYRIGHT © 2023