Explore the timeless wisdom and creativity of Eric Carle through a collection of inspirational quotes that will ignite your imagination and inspire you.
All my life I have tried to simplify things. As a child in school, things were very hard for me to understand often, and I developed a knack, I think. I developed a process to simplify things so I would understand them. Eric Carle
I knew even as a child that, when I grew up, I would be an artist of some kind. The lovely feeling of my pencil touching paper, a crayon making a star shape in my sketchbook, or my brush dipping into bright and colorful paints these things affect me as joyfully today as they did all those years ago. Eric Carle
I know that children love their picture books because I have many of the same qualities as children. I am as curious as a child, as imaginative, as ready for adventure, and I am still learning. Eric Carle
I believe that children need to be surrounded by as much beauty as possible, as much goodness as possible, as much freedom as possible, as much diversity as possible, as much communication as possible, as many languages as possible. Eric Carle
I studied graphic design in Germany, and my professor emphasized the responsibility that designers and illustrators have towards the people they create things for. Eric Carle
The important part of books for children, or any books really, is the idea. Where does the idea come from? In the case of the caterpillar, I had an idea about a worm. So that’s the beginning of the very hungry caterpillar. Eric Carle
One day I think it’s the greatest idea ever that I’m working on. The next day I think it’s the worst that I’ve ever worked on, and I swing between that a lot. Some days I’m very happy with what I’m doing, and the next day I am desperate it’s not working out! And then finally, it’s just right and that just right, it’s just a feeling. There’s nothing scientific about it. Eric Carle
I often tell people about the four magic letters: DO IT. I want to be encouraging but I can only offer the example of my own experience, which is just one approach. There are many wonderful picture book artists to learn about, which is important. But you must use your own imagination. You have to just do it. Eric Carle
Eric Carle’s Quotes on Life, Imagination, and Creativity
The Very Hungry Caterpillar story is about hope. You, like the little caterpillar, will grow up, unfold your wings and fly off into the future. Eric Carle
My favorite thing to draw is people. I’ve drawn them all of my lifeโฆ drawn them on the subway, traveled with my sketchbook in hand always ready to draw the people around me. Eric Carle
I want to be encouraging but I can only offer the example of my own experience, which is just one approach. There are many wonderful picture book artists to learn about, which is important. But you must use your own imagination. You have to just do it. Eric Carle
You know, now it’s sinking in. It’s taken me a long time to realize and it is sinking in how important this book is. And I have a certain distance now. Ive done it such a long time ago. Eric Carle
I remember being at home with a pencil and paper and the happiness it gave me to draw. I loved the feel of the pencil, the way the line grew as I pulled the pencil toward me, the way it swerved and turned, curling around itself. Eric Carle
Ever since I was very young, as far back as I can remember, I have loved making pictures. I knew even as a child that, when I grew up, I would be an artist of some kind. The lovely feeling of my pencil touching paper, a crayon making a star shape in my sketchbook, or my brush dipping into bright and colorful paints these things affect me as joyfully today as they did all those years ago. Eric Carle
I have been asked if when I draw I know how it will turn out if there is an image already in my head of what the finished drawing will look like. I don’t know, really. Eric Carle
I loved the feel of the pencil, the way the line grew as I pulled the pencil toward me, the way it swerved and turned, curling around itself. Eric Carle
Over time I have come to believe many children can identify with the helpless, small, insignificant caterpillar, and they rejoice when it turns into a beautiful butterfly. I think it’s a message of hope. It says: I too can grow up. I too can unfold my wings and fly into the world. Eric Carle
They are deceptively simple. I admit that. But for me, all my life I try to simplify things. As a child in school, things were very hard for me to understand often, and I developed a knack, I think. I developed a process to simplify things so I would understand them. Eric Carle I remember that as a child, when I felt overwhelmed, my mother would reassure me by saying, โOne piece at a time. That’s good advice for many things in life. Eric Carle Inspirational Quotes
More than anything else I can think of, writing helps me to understand myself. It is an excellent tool for exploring feelings, mine as well as those of others. Eric Carle
It’s taken me a long time to realizeโand it is sinking inโhow important this book is. And I have a certain distance now. I’ve done it such a long time ago. Eric Carle
The lovely feeling of my pencil touching paper, a crayon making a star shape in my sketchbook, or my brush dipping into bright and colorful paintsโthese things affect me as joyfully today as they did all those years ago. Eric Carle
Kids are great teachers, very honest and without prejudice of any kind. They don’t judge things like adults do, but accept everything at face value. Eric Carle
You little insignificant caterpillar, can grow up into a beautiful butterfly and fly into the world with your talent. Will I be able to do that? Yes, you will. Eric Carle
We have so much pollution out in the air. Our eyes are being polluted. We have visual pollution out there, and I have a very strong sense about that. Eric Carle
I long to see children as little seeds growing into beautiful flowers, as they will if we water them with love and patience, and let them blossom in their own time. Eric Carle
I do not need to be in a special place to think. I have carried on my thinking while sitting in the subway or standing in line at the market, or when I am riding on a train or plane. Eric Carle
He built a small house, called a cocoon, around himself. He stayed inside for more than two weeks. Then he nibbled a hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out andโฆ he was a beautiful butterfly! Eric Carle
I believe that everything we do, everything we strive for, has a purpose. And that purpose is to bring joy to those around us. Eric Carle Inspirational Quotes
I do my best to simplify and refine, to be logical and harmonious. But I also try to keep an open mind, to listen to my intuition and allow for the unexpected, the coincidental, even the quirky to enter into my work. Ultimately, my aim is to entertain, and sometimes to enlighten, the child who still lives inside of me. This is always where I begin. Eric Carle Inspirational Quotes
I am excited about all kinds of art, but I consider myself a writer foremost and an artist secondarily. It is the words that come first in my own mind. The pictures are illustrations for the text. Eric Carle
We have eyes, and we’re looking at stuff all the time, all day long. And I just think that whatever our eyes touch should be beautiful, tasteful, appealing, and important. Eric Carle
My own style grew out of my work as a graphic designer. I try to express the essence of my stories and ideals very clearly, using simple shapes, often in bright colors against a white background. You might almost think of my illustrations, and especially the cover art, as little posters. Eric Carle
I’m not a fan of computers or digital technology, but I can’t ignore their place in our lives. I’ve accepted the inevitability of their presence but I’m not yet comfortable with what digital media has done to books. Eric Carle
Eric Carle’s Artful Advocacy: Conservation Themes in His Beloved Works
Eric Carle, the renowned author and illustrator of children’s books, is celebrated not only for his captivating storytelling but also for the subtle environmental messages woven into his work. Through his colorful characters and imaginative narratives, Carle introduces young readers to the importance of conservation in a way that is both engaging and educational.
One of Carle’s most iconic books, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” offers a charming glimpse into the life cycle of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. While this classic tale teaches children about growth and transformation, it also underscores the delicate balance of nature. The caterpillar’s voracious appetite serves as a metaphor for the impact of human consumption on the environment. Carle encourages readers to appreciate the natural world and the beauty of metamorphosis.
In “The Mixed-Up Chameleon,” Carle tells the story of a chameleon that wishes to be like other animals, highlighting the uniqueness of each species. This whimsical tale gently reminds readers of the importance of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all living things. Carle’s vibrant illustrations vividly portray the diversity of the animal kingdom, sparking curiosity about the world’s wonders.
“The Tiny Seed” takes young readers on a journey with a tiny seed as it faces various challenges in its quest to grow into a beautiful flower. This story not only imparts a lesson about perseverance but also emphasizes the vulnerability of plant life and the need for conservation efforts to protect our natural resources.
Through his book “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me,” Carle introduces the concept of a lunar cycle while also underscoring the need to care for the Earth, our celestial neighbor. The moon, a symbol of the natural world beyond our planet, serves as a gentle reminder of the broader universe we share with other living creatures.
Eric Carle’s work is a testament to his belief in the power of art and storytelling to inspire young minds to appreciate and protect the environment. His books continue to enchant generations of readers with their environmental themes, encouraging us all to become stewards of the planet and live harmoniously with the natural world. As we revisit his stories with our children, we can find inspiration in Carle’s dedication to instilling a sense of wonder and responsibility for the Earth in the hearts of young and old alike.