15 Favorite Eric Carle Books
I have always loved Eric Carle's books! As a teacher I loved reading and sharing his books with children. I always noticed how much children enjoyed them. I was so inspired by his creativity in the illustrations he created. Did you know he illustrated all the books he wrote? He used many tools and created textures and a variety of colors. He then had a huge array of colors and patterns to choose from for his illustrations for his books. He would draw the illustrations and cut the tissue paper to fit into the empty spaces of his illustrations. These books also are great because the stories may peak an interest in reading non fiction texts about animals. The stories about animals and the beautiful, unique art makes them a popular choice for reading.
- “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle- Hermit Crab is on the move for a new home, but he thinks it is too plain. Go along with hermit crab throughout the ocean as he jazzes up his shell.
Hermit Crab Craft
Summer is a fun time to create art inspired by the ocean. Eric Carle is one of my favorite author and illustrators of children’s books. As a teacher I loved reading and sharing his books with children. I was so inspired by his creativity in the illustrations he created. Did
Kim
- "The Grouchy Ladybug" by Eric Carle: I love this story about this little grouchy ladybug. The ladybug act so tough around all the different animals and tries to instigate fighting. What will happen? Will ladybug fight? Why is ladybug so grouchy?
Ladybug Handprint
This summer create this adorable handprint ladybug craft using just a few supplies. Ladybugs are just so cute and fun to make. This is another craft involving a handprint, which I love as a great keepsake. Decorate this ladybug using items you have or get creative and make it your
Kim
- "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly said the Sloth" by Eric Carle: Sloth does everything slowly and even though the other animals insult him he continues to do things slowly. He stands up for himself and tells them haw great he is doing things slowly.
- "Do You Want To Be My Friend?" by Eric Carle: Mouse goes around looking for another animal to be friends with him. I love how this mouse is determined and doesn't give up looking for a friend. It is certainly a great message for kids, not everyone will like you and want to be your friend. However, it is important not to give up, someday you will find the perfect friend!
- "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle: This classic illustrates the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Of course, there are so inaccuracies with the many foods the caterpillar eats. This is a great book for retelling, sequencing and acting out what the caterpillar eats.
- "From Head to Toe" by Eric Carle: This book shows different animals doing different actions with their bodies. As a teacher, this was a favorite read aloud for physical activity. We would act out each animals movements as a way to give our bodies and minds a break. Make sure you have kids spread out when performing so motions. So much fun!
- "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle: This is another one of my favorites as it mixes fiction and non fiction. It tells the journey of the many seeds from a flower. It teaches children the many ways that seeds can travel and what may or may not happen to them.
- "Today is Monday" by Eric Carle: This book is so fun and can be read or song. It goes through the days of the week and is a great tool for teaching them. You will enjoy reading this book aloud with your child.
- "The Mixed-Up Chameleon" by Eric Carle: The little chameleon wants to be similar to all the animals he sees in the zoo. He keeps changing until he is all mixed up. This is a great book for understanding how amazing we are just the way we are!
- "Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too" by Eric Carle: This book teaches children about animals and their babies. All animals have mothers just like we do. This book is full of beautiful illustrations in Eric Carle's style.
- "Have You Seen My Cat?" by Eric Carle: A boy asks "Have you seen my cat?" But, he is not having any luck. He see a variety of different kinds of cats, but not his! I love the repetition and the high frequency words used in this book. Soon, you child will recognize many f the words in this book.
- "Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me." by Eric Carle: This book is a little different than Eric Carle's animal stories. This is about a little girl who wants to play with the moon. So, she asks her Papa to please get the moon for her. Papa get a GIANT ladder! Woah, what will happen? Read to find out if Papa gets the moon for her.
- "The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle: Another favorite Eric Carle book of mine. Spider is too busy making her web that she doesn't even answer any of the farm animals who come by. This book has a cool textile on the pages with a raised web, only available on some versions.
- "The Very Lonely Firefly" by Eric Carle: The very lonely firefly is looking for another firefly. But, he keeps seeing other lights around the town. Go with him on his journey to find another firefly so he will not be lonely anymore.
Blinking Firefly
I love when summer rolls around and fireflies come out. It reminds me of summer spent in Pennsylvania when I was a child. We called them lighting bugs and as dusk rolled around outside we went. Armed with a jar poked with hole, my sisters and I were excited to
Kim
- "The Very Quiet Cricket" by Eric Carle: The little cricket travels around meeting many different animals. However, he is unable to talk to any of them because his wings are not making a sound. He is a very quiet cricket. I love the cricket sound that is present in the book when you turn to the last page, although it is not available in all versions.
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