Author Eric Carle died May 23 at the age of 91.
Carle was most known for his children’s book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” He sold more than 55 million copies after it was published in 1969, according to The New York Times.
Carle’s death was confirmed Wednesday by his publisher, Penguin Kids, on Twitter.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Eric Carle, author & illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and many other beloved classics, passed away on May 23rd at the age of 91,” his publisher shared on Twitter. “Thank you for sharing your great talent with generations of young readers.” (RELATED: New York Author, Columnist Pete Hamill Dies At 85)
It is with heavy hearts that we share that Eric Carle, author & illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and many other beloved classics, passed away on May 23rd at the age of 91.
Thank you for sharing your great talent with generations of young readers. #RememberingEricCarle pic.twitter.com/wc3srDQr5m
— Penguin Kids (@penguinkids) May 26, 2021
Carle died from kidney failure, his son Rolf told The New York Times.
Carle will be deeply missed. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is a children’s book staple and one of my all-time favorite books. The illustrations are unique and the story is unmatched. He was arguably the king of children’s books.