Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Bill Martin, Jr (1916-2004) was an elementary-school principal, teacher, writer, and poet. His legacy of over 300 books, including cherished classics like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, reflect his innate ability to connect directly with children. With a doctoral degree in early childhood education, Martin's journey began in Kansas, leading him to Chicago as an elementary-school principal before transitioning to New York City. In NYC, he pioneered innovative reading programs for schools and eventually devoted himself entirely to creating children's books. He resided in New York until 1993 when he relocated to the serene east Texas woods near Commerce, where he remained until his passing in 2004.
Eric Carle (1929-2021) was a celebrated children's book illustrator and author, known for his extraordinary work that touched the hearts of millions. With over seventy books to his name, Carle's illustrious career took flight when Bill Martin Jr invited him to illustrate Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? This collaboration led to global success, and Eric branched out to become a prolific writer and illustrator in his own right, crafting the beloved classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Born in the USA, Carle spent his formative years in Germany, immersing himself in the realms of typography and graphic art at the Academy of Applied Art in Stuttgart.
Carle's creative genius garnered numerous accolades, including the American Library Association's Children's Literature Legacy Award and the Original Art Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Illustrators. Aside from his solo endeavors, Carle partnered on various projects, such as Bill Martin Jr's Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, Isaac Bashevis Singer's Why Noah Chose the Dove, and the Eric Carle and Friends' What's Your Favorite picture book series. Reflecting his passion for picture book art, Carle and his wife Bobbie founded the esteemed Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, which opened its doors in Amherst, Massachusetts in 2002.
4.8
