Eric Carle 2009, celebrating the first day of spring. He also designed a "Google doodle" with autumnal theme for the use in Southern Hemisphere. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" was chosen by Jumpstart for Young Children as the book for Read For the Record 2009 on October 8 of that year. The program encourages educators, librarians and parents to try to have as many as possible read the same book on the same day all over the world. Carle has won numerous awards for his work in children's literature, including the Japan Picture Book Award, the Regina Medal and the Lifetime Achievement Award
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art during regular Museum hours and supports the aims of the Museum by encouraging making, appreciating, and thinking about art. Activities and materials change regularly and are inspired by the Museum's exhibitions. The Public Art Program is Free with Museum Admission. Designed for classroom teachers, librarians, art teachers, and others interested in engaging students in the visual arts and the art of the book, the Museum's professional development programs emphasize teaching through the arts and encourage critical and creative thinking. In 2009, Putnam/Philomel published "Artist To Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art", with contributors including Mitsumasa Anno,