Looking for an experience for the kids that’s, you know, secretly for you? An attraction in Amherst, Massachusetts, not only honors one of the most cherished children’s authors of all time, but will make you feel like you’re a kid all over again.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, open seven days a week, not only pays tribute to the late author, illustrator, and longtime Northampton, Massachusetts, native, but also includes some interactive exhibits and activities as well as an in-depth look at how Carle created his legendary illustrations.

Carle is perhaps most famous for illustrating the classic book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written by Bill Martin Jr. However, one could argue he’s just as renowned for Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, another collaboration with Martin.

Carle originally hailed from Syracuse, New York, but moved as a young child to his mother’s native Germany (hence the illustrator’s thick German accent, which comes through in documentaries available to view at the museum).

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and features not just Carlisle’s work, but that of other renowned authors and illustrators like Maurice Sendak, Dr. Seuss, and Chris Van Allsburg.

A state-of-the-art theater features a variety of screenings, some of which give detailed insight into how Carle used tissue paper to craft his uniquely memorable illustrations.

Children can also try their own hand at recreating Carle’s classic images at one of the museum’s many drawing tables. I recently took my daughter, and while she had a blast, I was immediately reminded of the colorful world Carle introduced to my own childhood.

Explore the Wonderful, Colorful Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts

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