The exhibition “Small Living Things: The Magical Art of Eric Carle,” on view at Michener Art Museum in Doylestown from February 14 through May 24, brings visitors up close to picture book illustrations by the beloved author.
“Small Living Things” highlights the small creatures from Eric Carle’s collection with original artwork from “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “The Very Quiet Cricket,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “The Very Clumsy Click Beetle,” “The Grouchy Ladybug,” and more, as well as larger animals from the classic “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” collaboration with Bill Martin Jr.
When Eric Carle was a boy, his father took him on walks in nature, peeling back the bark of a tree to show him the tiny creatures who lived underneath. “I think in my books, I honor my father by writing about small living things,” Carle said.
Carle started his career in advertising and as a graphic designer for The New York Times. He didn’t start illustrating and writing books for children until he was almost 40. His most famous work, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” has sold over 55 million copies and has been translated into over 80 languages.
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” also has a Princeton connection: Ann Beneduce, the editor-in-chief of World Publishing who coordinated with Carle on the concept for his best known work, was a Princeton resident. She died in 2021 at the age of 102.
Carle died that same year at the age of 91, after celebrating 50 years of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” in 2019.
Organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, “Small Living Things” also includes examples of process art and sketches, poster designs, and objects representative of Carle’s influence in contemporary culture. The 1996 Eric Carle-inspired McDonald’s Happy Meal toy series is displayed, along with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” in bronze by sculptor Nancy Schön, creator of the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture in the Boston Public Garden.
“We are so pleased to share the art of Eric Carle with the Michener Art Museum community,” said Jennifer Schantz, executive director of The Carle. “Families have been enjoying Carle’s iconic images in their homes for decades, but nothing beats experiencing his original artwork directly as an inspiration for picture book art lovers of all ages.”
Michener Art Museum, with a commitment to nurturing a lifelong involvement in the arts, presents programming concurrent with “Small Living Things” for visitors of all ages. Gallery-based story times, music programs, and art-making experiences all connect visual and literary arts. “All About Animals” events bring live lizards, birds, snakes, and more to the Museum. Family-friendly tours are also available throughout the run of the exhibition, including a stroller tour series led by executive director and CEO Anne Corso.
“We’re bringing the animal world of Eric Carle to life,” said Casey Repasy, director of learning and engagement. “It’s about giving families hands-on, curiosity-driven experiences.”
Admission for visitors ages 5 and under is free at Michener Art Museum. A free family activity guide for “Small Living Things” is available at the Visitor’s Services desk, with a prize for every completed submission. The Museum Shop will feature a curated selection of all things Eric Carle for the run of the exhibition.
“The Magical Art of Eric Carle comes at a perfect time,” Corso said. “The Michener is launching the first year of its strategic plan — a plan that prioritizes the Museum’s role as a community hub and using art to foster lifelong learning. This exhibition will reach beyond the Museum’s walls through partnerships with area institutions and businesses.”
In collaboration with the Bucks County Free Library, all seven branches in Bensalem, Doylestown, Langhorne, Levittown, Perkasie, Quakertown, and Yardley are part of more Eric Carle-themed fun, including scavenger hunts and story times.
A town-wide scavenger hunt, the Caterpillar Crawl, has punch cards available for shoppers at Doylestown businesses. The windows of participating businesses will display different foods the hungry caterpillar enjoys, from apples and pears to chocolate cake. Shoppers who turn in a completed punch card at the Michener Art Museum Visitor’s Services desk will be rewarded with one free guest pass.
Small Living Things: The Magical Art of Eric Carle, Michener Art Museum, 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Public opening reception Saturday, February 14, 1 to 4 p.m. Free with museum admission. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. michenerartmuseum.org.
