As I reflect on my favorite children’s books what stands out is the way text and illustrations mingle to create an enjoyable experience. Especially for young children who are not yet reading the story is just as much in the pictures as it is in the text. A mismatch between the two can lead to a disappointing story, but a book where the two elements compliment each other can lead to a memorable literary experience.

After talking about my project with many people it became evident who I needed to research. The title, or a description, of the most famous book written by this author came up time and time again. I also had fond memories of thumbing through their books countless times as a child. To this day their work is still a top choice when a parent comes in looking for a good book for their child. The author/illustrator I chose is the famous Eric Carle. Although I have been reading Eric Carle’s books since childhood, prior to this project I knew nothing about his life or the details of his work. To gain a better understanding of the universal appeal of Eric Carle’s work I will report on his biographical background and how it has influenced his work, his artistic and literary technique, compare his work to that of Lois Ehlert, and provide resources for those who are seeking to learn more about his life and work.