Celebrate the Magic of Eric Carle with Crafts, Storytime, & Colorful Party Snacks!

If you’ve ever read The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, then you already know the colorful, collage-style magic of Eric Carle. His iconic children’s books have captured the hearts of generations and are a perfect inspiration for a day (or week!) full of learning, creativity, and fun.

Whether you're a parent planning a themed birthday party or a teacher looking to brighten up your literacy corner, these Eric Carle crafts, books, and party food ideas will bring his stories to life for your little ones.

🎨 Craft Time Inspired by Eric Carle’s Art

- Tissue Paper Collage Art: Let kids paint tissue paper pieces and layer them onto cardstock to mimic Carle’s signature style.

- Hungry Caterpillar Paper Chain: Make a green and red paper chain that transforms into your very own caterpillar. or create one with a paper plate.

- FREE Printable Handprint Craft

- Mixed Media Animal Masks: After reading Brown Bear, create colorful animal masks using cardboard, markers, and paper scraps. or use a fork with brown paint to make a Brown Bear face perfect for handprint book keepsakes.

📚 Must-Read Eric Carle Books

1. The Very Greedy Python

2. From Head to Toe Board Book

3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?

4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Kohl's Cares $5 Plush

5. The Very Busy Spider

6. Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear?

7. The Mixed Up Chameleon

8. The Grouchy Ladybug - Kohl's Care $5 Plush

9. Do You Want to be My Friend?

10. The Very Quiet Cricket

11. Pancakes, Pancakes

12. Papa, Please Get The Moon for Me

13. 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo

14. The Very Lonely Firefly board book
15. Rooster’s Off to See the World
16. Panda, Panda What Do You See?

🧁 Party Food Ideas Straight from the Pages

- Fruit Tray Caterpillar: Use green grapes to form the body and a red apple slice or strawberry for the head. Add candy eyes or blueberries to complete the face.

- "Pancakes, Pancakes!" Station: Serve mini pancakes with a variety of toppings—berries, syrup, whipped cream, and even sprinkles!

- Bug Juice: Mix fruit punch with sparkling water and serve in clear cups. Add fruit slices or a gummy worm on the rim for fun!

- Ladybug Crackers: Top round crackers with a slice of tomato and dots of black olive to resemble ladybugs.

Why Celebrate Eric Carle?

His books not only promote early literacy but also spark imagination and creativity. Celebrating his work is a joyful way to connect reading with hands-on learning and family fun. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or creating magic at home, Eric Carle’s stories open the door to endless colorful adventures.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE PRINTABLE BOOK BANNER

Here is another one page banner you could use when you display all of your arts and crafts outside your classroom or to display during a party!

Eric Carle Free Printable Classroom Decorations

Pin it for later! This post is packed with Eric Carle birthday party ideas, crafts for preschoolers, and book-themed snack inspiration. Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to celebrate reading in style!

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

Nanny to Mommy