Starting this weekend, locals can step into the whimsical world of children’s literature with ‘Small Living Things: The Magical Art of Eric Carle.’
On view from Feb. 14 through May 24, the exhibition showcases original artwork from some of the author and illustrator’s classics—like ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, ‘The Very Quiet Cricket’, and ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?’ The exhibit is meant to celebrate the works that first made Carle a household name, with a look into his early sketches and his “lifelong fascination with small living things” that he first discovered on walks with his father.
Before becoming a beloved children’s author, Carle built a career in both advertising and graphic design, some of which he did for The New York Times. He didn’t turn to illustrating and writing books for children until he was nearly 40—but his work quickly rose in ranks. ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, his most famous creation, has sold over 55 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 80 languages. Fans celebrated the book in 2019 for its 50th anniversary, and just two years later, Carle passed away in 2021 at the age of 91.
The Michener’s showcase has been organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. ‘Small Living Things’ goes beyond finished books to reveal the creative process behind them: The exhibition features original sketches, process art, poster designs, and objects that showcase Carle’s influence on popular culture. Highlights include the 1996 Eric Carle–inspired McDonald’s Happy Meal toy series and a bronze sculpture of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Nancy Schön.
“We are so pleased to share the art of Eric Carle with the Michener Art Museum community,” says 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.”
The Michener is offering a variety of programs alongside 'Small Living Things' for visitors of all ages, including gallery-based story times, music performances, hands-on art-making activities and their All About Animals series, which brings live lizards, birds, snakes, and more into the galleries. Family-friendly tours are also available, including a stroller tour series led by Executive Director and CEO Anne Corso.
Admission is free for children ages 5 and under, and a complimentary family activity guide encourages exploration of the exhibition—with a prize awarded to visitors for every completed submission. The Museum Shop will also feature a curated selection of Eric Carle–inspired items for the duration of the show.
Additionally, in partnership with the Bucks County Free Library, all seven branches—Bensalem, Doylestown, Langhorne, Levittown, Perkasie, Quakertown, and Yardley—are joining the celebration of Eric Carle with story times, scavenger hunts, and other family-friendly activities.
One highlight is the town-wide scavenger hunt, the Caterpillar Crawl. Punch cards are available at participating Doylestown businesses, whose windows will feature various foods that the hungry caterpillar loves—from apples and pears to chocolate cake. Shoppers who complete their punch cards and return them to the Michener Art Museum Visitor Services desk will receive a free guest pass to enjoy the exhibition.
To find out more information on ‘Small Living Things: The Magical Art of Eric Carle’ at the Michener Art Museum (138 S Pine St, Doylestown), visit michenerartmuseum.org
