Eric Carle was an American author and illustrator known for his distinctive collage-style artwork and children's books. Born on June 25, 1929, in Syracuse, New York, he created over 70 books during his career, with his most famous work being The Very Hungry Caterpillar, published in 1969. His stories often feature simple narratives and vibrant illustrations that engage young readers. Carle's artistic style is characterized by the use of hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to create colorful images. His contributions to children's literature have earned him numerous awards, and his books are beloved by children and parents around the world.