Iconic illustrations, a tribute exhibit and toys galore to honor one of the most accomplished children’s authors of all time.

“A Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?” among other favorites are often a child’s very first experiences with a book. With 70 books published during a career that has spanned more than five decades, Eric Carle is one of the most accomplished children’s authors and illustrators of all time.

The High Museum brought the exhibit “I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle,” to Atlanta and with it came more than 80 collages from 16 of his most famous books. You will also find buckets of his books in the gallery for parents and children to read as they visit. The exhibit runs through February 12, and it is a must-see for Carle fans.

The popularity of his iconic images is apparent in the many toys, party decorations and clothing items made to resemble his illustrations. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate Carle’s art into your family.

Products

World of Eric Carle Super Dough Set

The set includes instructions and supplies for making The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Grouchy Ladybug and more. The set comes with 13 colors and a safety molding knife. Available for $19.95 at shop.carlemuseum.org and Kids Preferred.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Musical Night Light and Soother

Light up the room every time the night light changes colors or sounds. This whimsical night light illuminates in green and blue color modes and its unique touch sensors allow for easy volume, light and sound controls. This product doubles as a soother, playing 2 different lullabies and 1 rain sound for white noise. Available at scsdirectinc.com for $39.99.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Stacking/ Nesting Blocks

Each block represents a different animal from the book with number and counting elements.  The set comes with 10 blocks that form a pyramid when stacked. Available at Walmart for $17.30.

More at shop.carlemuseum.org including clothing, party products and toys.

Crafts

The Very Busy Spider Craft

Source: kidzactivities.net

Supplies: paper plate, single hole puncher, brown yarn, two pom-poms, one red pipe cleaner and glue.

Directions: punch holes around the plate and thread the brown yarn through them to make a spider web. Apply glue to the pom-pom and to the pipe cleaners, and then glue the “spider” to the yarn.

A Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party Idea:

Source: karaspartyideas.com; alittlepinchofperfect.com

Food: Cupcakes and layer cake arranged to look like a caterpillar and finger foods that the caterpillar ate in the book. Add signs with the words from each page to label the foods.

Décor: Green paper lanterns lined up like a caterpillar hanging above and pictures of your child up to that age in circle cut-outs.

Game: Cut-out of the caterpillar’s face and fake plastic fruit. Let the kids toss the fruit in the mouth.

Party Favor: Bug catcher with gummy worms inside for a snack. Use later to catch caterpillars or other critters.