Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a museum devoted to the art of the picture book and especially the children's book. It is a member of Museums10 and is adjacent to the campus of Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. The Carle was founded by Eric and Barbara Carle, and designed by Juster Pope Frazier Architects. Together with his wife Barbara (1938-2015), Eric Carle, the author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", founded the museum. It was the first full-scale museum in
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,