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

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