My Visit to the Carle

When I first heard about the Eric Carle Museum, I know it was a place I had to visit-- not only because I love his books, but also because I am always trying to learn more about picture books. I put it on my "Bucket List" and knew that one day I would go. I didn't know exactly when, but I knew I would. Librarians are a determined bunch.

So when it came time to plan our summer vacation back in January, my husband and I planned everything around this. Arrangements were made and an itinerary was drawn up. And then -- by way of plane and rental car -- we were there.

My visit was in mid-June, and now that I have been home awhile, I have had a chance to process this experience and wanted to share it with you before I forgot everything and moved on with life.

We arrived on a Friday morning, first thing. Of course, we must have been one of the first guests because it was nearly empty. I was greeted by a friendly face at the desk and bought our tickets. Of course I took a picture of the quote on the wall and told the Museum staff member that THIS was the highlight of my summer. Because I was a school librarian.

And then she understood.

With that, I started feeling as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning. What gift would I open first? Or rather, which part of the Carle would I first enjoy? 

Just me and this giant hallway. I told you we were the first visitors!

I decided to try the Paddington Exhibit first! I made sure to get my Bus Pass and stamp every time I stopped at a station. Learning about the history of the Paddington books was such a delight! A very detailed and thorough exhibit. I learned so much about these books and vowed to reread a Paddington book, especially the newer versions published by HarperChildrens.

Next stop: the library of course. By the time I left the Paddington Exhibit, a storytime had begun and the Museum had more visitors - many of them children.  I sat in the back and enjoyed the reading, along with some other teachers who were there for a workshop of some kind. It was a reading of bird-themed books. The reader was sharing Little Owl Lost, and it was lovely! 

After storytime was over, I visited the Leo and Diane Dillon Exhibit: "A Marriage of Artistry: Leo and Diane Dillon". So fascinating to learn more about their work! I especially loved this section of the museum because some of their books were laid out and I felt as if I were in a comfortable living room exploring books.  While I was viewing the artwork and walking about, the marketing director stopped to chat with me and I told her how happy I was to be there. (Later she gave us a great recommendation for lunch spot, and we took her up on it!)  

But of course, the main star is Eric Carle.  "The Art of Eric Carle: Season" Exhibit is spacious and inviting, allowing visitors to walk through each season as they learn about Carle's life and work. I especially enjoyed the Summer corner.

Of course the museum had a bookstore, too.  I found a great selection of newly published titles! I made sure to pick up a few souvenirs of my visit. 

I saw some of my favorite picture books here, too!

As I reflect on my time at the Carle, I realize it was a lot for me to take in, and I really need to go back for a return visit to appreciate it more. This was definitely the perfect stop for a school librarian! 

What I have been reading:

From Peachtree Publishers! 

From Penguin! 

From HMH Kids! 

The Shoes:

I wore my Skechers black slip-ons to the Carle. Comfy and cute! I bought them several years ago, and I don't think they make them anymore, but there are similar ones here.