We Were Made to Love Art: Looking Through the Lens of Eric Carle

Written by Sarah Cunningham

Walking into a children’s second-hand store, I know exactly where I’m going. I meticulously scan the shelves of board books and automatically pick up The Little Blue Truck and Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? Fondly, I remember the kids who carried those books in their little hands everywhere in the classroom. Literature and reading to children have always been things I’ve enjoyed. Watching the kids I work with fall in love with reading is what made me absolutely fall in love with children’s literature.📚

Children’s literature brings me back to a childlike way of looking at life, grounding me in the moment. One author I’ve especially enjoyed is Eric Carle. During my first year in a new role in a one-year-old classroom, a little girl adored Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle. She had every page memorized and read it aloud throughout the day. That little girl had me—and every other one-year-old in the room—reading Brown Bear and admiring the art of Eric Carle during our time together. 🧒

Behind the images toddlers gravitate toward, Eric Carle’s “painted papers” served as a kind of palette (The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art). To bring his signature images to life, Carle painted vibrant layers of color across white tissue paper. He then pieced together bits and pieces of his collages to create images—like the purple cat. Carle was especially fascinated by the details: brushstrokes, textures, and the feeling behind each layer of paint. 🎨

From a very young age, we’re drawn to art that’s filled with color and detail. Watching one-year-olds sit and “read” for minutes on their own brings a smile to my face—and reminds me of this truth. As we grow, we can lose touch with that wonder. But that love and curiosity for art are always within us.

When I look at the stacks of Brown Bear books I’ve collected, I think of the little girl who helped me see the beauty in Eric Carle’s work. She’ll always hold a special place in my heart—she truly introduced me to my favorite children’s book. There are countless other titles I collect again and again, each reminding me of the children who loved them.

One of my all-time favorite quotes is from the beloved children’s author C.S. Lewis:

“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”

Take time to invest in the lives of the children around you—whether through work, volunteering, mentoring, or family. Play with them. Learn what they love. And, if I may say so, read a story together!

Made to Create gives 25% of its beautiful art product proceeds to organizations that specifically serve children. This quarter, we are Made to Create is honored to support Journey of Hope.

Please visit the Made to Create website! Ashley has recently added some beautiful journals you won’t want to miss. 📓

Until the next paintbrush,

Sarah @ Made to Create 🎨