The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

10/19/2026

How many stories can be told with just one shape? 🔵🔶⭐

Eric Carle often began his collage illustrations by playing with shapes. These creations by visitors to our Art Studio began the same way!

Our current Everyday Art Project invites you to explore image-making through collage and printmaking, inspired by our exhibition "Eric Carle’s Modernist Inspirations."

🎨 "Expressive Impressions" is our Everyday Art Project through November 1. https://bit.ly/4yyGVbs

🖼️ "Eric Carle’s Modernist Inspirations" is on view through September 5, 2027. https://bit.ly/4yMYV2b

10/14/2026

Silly old bear! "Winnie-the-Pooh" turns 100 today! 🎂

On October 14, 1926, A. A. Milne’s "Winnie-the-Pooh" was published as a collection of stories about the honey-loving bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Both author A. A. Milne and illustrator E. H. Shepard drew inspiration from their children. Milne’s son, Christopher Robin, and the stuffed animals in his nursery helped inspire the stories and characters. Shepard, meanwhile, modeled Pooh after his own son’s teddy bear, Growler.

Since 2004, The Carle has cared for over 100 original E. H. Shepard illustrations, on long-term loan from Penguin Young Readers Group.
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🎨 Ernest H. Shepard. Unpublished illustration, n.d. Courtesy of Penguin Young Readers Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. © Penguin Random House LLC.

10/12/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Today and every day, we honor Indigenous voices, artists, and storytellers.

This illustration from "Her Hands: Potter María Martínez" reflects the importance of sharing knowledge and sustaining cultural traditions across generations. Storytelling has long been one way Indigenous communities across North America have carried histories and memories forward. Indigenous artists and storytellers continue to shape the literary and artistic landscape, though their work has not always received the recognition and support it deserves.

🖼️ "The Precious Things We Share: The Past, Present, and Future of Indigenous Picture Book Art" opens January 16. The exhibition is guest-curated by Dr. Lee Francis IV (Laguna Pueblo) and co-curated by Eleanor Owl Stolzoff (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians).

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🎨 Aphelandra (Oneida Nation of Wisconsin), Illustration for Shaped by Her Hands: Potter María Martínez by Barbara Gonzales (San Ildefonso Pueblo) and Anna Harber Freeman (Osage Nation). Courtesy of Aphelandra. © 2021 Aphelandra Messer.

💚 This exhibition is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council ().

10/10/2026

"Julián Is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love has faced bans and challenges in the United States, limiting readers’ access to stories that reflect diverse identities and experiences.

The story follows Julián, a child fascinated by mermaids, whose curiosity and self-expression are met with encouragement from the adults around him. Through Julián’s experience, the book affirms the importance of creating space for children to explore who they are and discover the world around them.

Picture books featuring LGBTQ+ representation are frequently targeted by censorship efforts. Explore more stories and their impact in our online exhibition, "ALL: A Look into LGBTQ+ Representation in Picture Books". https://bit.ly/4xTAy3c

📚 Today marks the final day of Banned Books Week, which raises awareness of censorship and celebrates the freedom to read. What picture book has broadened your perspective, helped you feel seen, or opened up a meaningful conversation?

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🎨 Jessica Love, Illustration for Julian is a Mermaid (Candlewick Press). © 2018 Jessica Love.

10/08/2026

What kind of Fall are you feeling? 🍂

Whatever your fall favorite, there’s a picture book inspired theme for you at The Carle Bookshop!

🎁 Throughout October, every order over $75 will receive a FREE Eric Carle Pumpkin Kit! https://bit.ly/473wgJV

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🍄 Fungi Grow (Beach Lane Books). Text © 2023 Maria Gianferrari and illustrations © 2023 Diana Sudyka.

🎃 Little Bunny, Fall Is Here! (G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers). © 2025 Deborah Marcero.

🍎 The Apple Pie That Papa Baked (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). Text © 2007 Lauren Thompson and illustrations © 2007 Jonathan Bean.

🐝 Bruno the Beekeeper: A Honey Primer (Candlewick). © 2021 Aneta Frantiska Holasová.

👻 Gustavo, the Shy Ghost (Candlewick). © 2020 Flavia Z. Drago.

🧹 A Spoonful of Frogs (Greenwillow Books). Text © 2022 Casey Lyall and illustrations © 2022 Vera Brosgol.

🦊 Hector Fox and the Map of Mystery (Islandport Press ). © 2023 Astrid Sheckels.

10/07/2026

Come explore Jerry Pinkney's striking and soulful picture book illustrations from new angles 📚

🖼 "Soul, Sound & Voice: The Art of Jerry Pinkney" is on view through January 3. Co-organized with Woodmere.
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🎨 Jerry Pinkney, Illustration for Sweethearts of Rhythm: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World by Marilyn Nelson (Dial Books). Courtesy of Gloria Jean Pinkney. © 2009 Jerry Pinkney.

09/30/2026

How did this Eric Carle illustration evolve from an intricate fishing boat into a playful steamship?

"All Around Us" was envisioned as a collection of books with vignettes about the sky, land, sea, and even underground. At first, Eric considered creating highly detailed collages. Ultimately, he opted for more simplified shapes and a white background, which better served the early-reader series.

Eric believed in creating "books you can play with," and recognizable shapes and strong contrasts invite readers to wonder: How many stories can come from a single shape or color?

The two alternate illustrations are on view in "Eric Carle’s Modernist Inspirations" through February 28.

📆 Join us Saturday, October 3 at 1 pm for a curator-led tour of the exhibition! Gain deeper insight into Eric's visual language and the curatorial process. https://bit.ly/4AWqvMC
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🎨 1️⃣ On View September 19, 2026 to February 28, 2027:
Eric Carle, Variant illustration for All Around Us. Collection of the Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation. © 1986 Penguin Random House LLC.

🎨 2️⃣ Eric Carle, Alternate illustration for All Around Us. Collection of the Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation. © 1986 Penguin Random House LLC.

🎨3️⃣ Eric Carle, Illustration for All Around Us. Collection of the Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation. © 1986 Penguin Random House LLC.

09/28/2026

On September 17, we gathered at for the 2026 Carle Honors Benefit Gala to celebrate the incredible impact of picture books and the community that uplifts them. 🦋

Each year, we honor individuals and organizations who elevate picture book art. Congratulations to this year's honorees!

🎤Emcee: Kwame Alexander ()

💚 Artist: Bryan Collier ()
💛 Angel: Ellen Michelson
💚 Bridge: International Youth Library ()
💛 Mentor: Claudia Bedrick, Publisher of Enchanted Lion Books ()
💚 Inspiration: Robert L. Forbes ()

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this very special evening, those who celebrated with us from afar, and to everyone who follows along from home. Your support helps The Carle share the power of picture book art with audiences around the world.

09/25/2026

What patterns and textures make you feel cozy? 🛏️

Juana Martinez-Neal - Author Illustrator uses layers of gesso, acrylic paint, pencil, and graphite to give this towering stack of mattresses a rich, tactile quality in "La Princesa and the Pea". The twist on the classic fairy tale is set in Peru within the Willoq community, known for its intricate red weavings and textiles.

And if you look closely… you might spot a little surprise in the textured darkness beneath the bed. 👀

📢🖼️ Our exhibition "Weaving Words" opens November 21! Explore the connections between fiber arts and picture books over the past 60 years. https://bit.ly/3VPx4Ae
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🎨 Juana Martinez-Neal, Illustration for La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya (G.P. Putnam’s Sons). Museum Purchase. © 2017 Juana Martinez-Neal.

09/25/2026

Thank you Publishers Weekly for this wonderful recap of the 2026 Carle Honors! 💚

The children’s publishing industry gathered at the New York Historical in Manhattan on September 17 to celebrate the annual Carle Honors.