Eric Carle, who was behind dozens of others, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See, and who authored and illustrated the Very Hungry Caterpillar iconic children’s book, has died. He was ninety-one. Carle died at this Northampton, MA studio on Sunday, his family reported.

According to a statement from his editor released through his official Instagram account, Eric Carle was the renowned novelist and artist best known for the child’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The book was initially published in 1969 and portrayed a cattery that eats numerous things a week until it ultimately becomes a beautiful butterfly.

The book has sold more than 50 million examples worldwide and was translated into more than 60 languages with its unique artworks and subtle instructional principles. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar author and many other treasured classics Eric Carle went away with a sad heart at the age of 91 on May the 23rd,” said publisher Penguin Kids in an announcement issued on Twitter. In his home in Northampton, Massachusetts, the novelist died on Sunday, The Washington Post reported.

Carle stated: ‘I suppose it is a library of hope when asked why the Very Hungry Caterpillar stayed so popular for so long,’ he remarked. Children need hope; children need hope. You can grow up to become a lovely butterfly and soar with your skill into the world, as a small tiny caterpillar,” claimed the statement in its official Instagram account. “Thank you, Eric Carle, for sharing with so many generations of young readers your amazing skill,” he continued.

The author’s honours, including those from the affluent and famous, were paid on social media. “Having killed Eric Carle, he has left us the memorable Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear- novels I have read for my children now, and my grandchildren now,” actress Mia Farrow tweeted. “To love his family’s thoughts and great thanks to Mr. Carle.” Carle wrote more than 70 colourful titles, among which Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?, the Grouchy Ladybug, and Papa, Get the Moon for Me, among others.

Carle was a well-known artist and designer, in addition to his work as an author of kids. At 87, he wore a series of collages constructed of recyclable materials representing the angels, which he devoted to artist Paul Klee, created from cardboard and abstract.

Soon he also started to write novels for youngsters. She exhibited his paintings in an exhibition in 2019 entitled “Eric Carle’s Picture Books: 50 Years of the ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar.’