THE VERY BUSY AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR!

I can't blog about the world of preschool/early elementary picture books without focusing on another author/illustrator of countless favorites: Eric Carle. His books are educational - full of science, counting, and lessons to be learned - while maintaining a sense of humor and wonder. His use of language and beautiful collage art for young children is unmatched, especially when you consider the number of books he's done! Many stimulate a child's sense of touch, sight, and sound with their unique design. His works were all favorites of our three children (and have spanned 4 decades!):

DREAM SNOW (toddlers and up will love the gimmicks in this holiday counting story.)

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR (is full of holes, as the caterpillar eats his way through the book!)

FROM HEAD TO TOE (toddlers and preschoolers can answer the question, "can you do it?", by mimicking the animals' movements.)

THE VERY BUSY SPIDER (has a raised web to touch)

THE GROUCHY LADYBUG (kids will learn concepts of time, size, shape, and manners - as well as discover what aphids are!)

THE TINY SEED (kids learn about science and nature in the story of a seed).

THE MIXED-UP CHAMELEON (this chameleon not only changes color, but its shape and size as well!)

PAPA, PLEASE GET THE MOON FOR ME (children will be introduced to the monthly lunar cycle, in this sweet simple story with lavish illustrations.)

THE VERY LONELY FIREFLY (there's a surprise on the last page, as the firefly seeks companionship)

THE VERY QUIET CRICKET (children love the special ending, when the cricket is no longer so quiet!)

THE VERY CLUMSY CLICK BEETLE (with a "click" and a message of "never give up".)

A HOUSE FOR HERMIT CRAB (a story about finding comfort in change.)

MISTER SEAHORSE (striking art and camouflage - and a tribute to fathers!)

PANCAKES, PANCAKES! (Jack is determined to go to great lengths to have pancakes for his breakfast.)

THE SECRET BIRTHDAY MESSAGE (your child will follow an adventure of using a coded message to find a birthday surprise at the end of the story.)

TEACHERS/MOMS:

Make art projects "Eric Carle Style -YOU CAN MAKE A COLLAGE: A VERY SIMPLE HOW TO BOOK by Klutz Press and Eric Carle.

or go to: www.eric-carle.com/EricCarleCollageMakingInstructionSheet.pdf