Happy Birthday, Eric Carle!

If you hang out with young children much, you’ve probably seen the name Eric Carle on one of their books. He is most famous for writing The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but he’s written and/or illustrated dozens of adorable children’s books. He captivates children (and adults!) around the world with his signature, paper collage-y illustration style. I love this quote about his philosophy and reasons for writing:

“With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates—will they be friendly?

I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.” –Eric Carle

In honor of this creative author’s birthday today, I thought it would be fun to round up some of The Lilypad’s reading and book-related products. And of course, a few beautiful layouts, too! What better way to start off than with Jacque Larsen’s Sunday Morning element pack, inspired by Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar!

Did you have any idea we had so many gorgeous reading-related goodies here? I finally had to stop but I could’ve linked up so much more! Now for some amazing layouts from the TLP Gallery to get your creative juices flowing. Studying these pages makes me want to grab a book and head outside by the pool!

If you need a little more inspiration to get started, here’s a list of layout/journaling ideas inspired by Eric Carle, books, and reading in general:

• Mr. Carle overcame a difficult childhood and teen years in Germany before realizing his artistic dreams. Have any particular books helped, inspired, or motivated you to achieve your dreams?
• Pay homage to Eric Carle’s signature bright and colorful collage style on your layout. Bonus points for including nature themes and images, from which Mr. Carle drew most of his inspiration.
• What was your favorite book(s) as a child? If you have kids now, what are their favorite books? For extra credit, compare and contrast these lists!
• What are you reading now?
• Bucket lists are all the rage right now – what’s your “reading bucket list”? Scrap a list of books you want to read (or re-read) before you “kick the bucket.” Or, for a less morbid page, scrap your summer or 2012 reading bucket list!
• Scrap your feelings about a current book craze (Twilight, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, etc.) – do you love them? Hate them? Mixed feelings?
• What are your thoughts on books turned into movies? Love  ’em or hate ’em?