Eric Carle, American children's book designer, illustrator, and writer best known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar (born 1929)

Eric Carle was an American author, designer and illustrator of children's books. His picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, first published in 1969, has been translated into more than 66 languages and sold more than 50 million copies. Carle's career as an illustrator and children's book author accelerated after he collaborated on Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. Carle illustrated more than 70 books, most of which he also wrote, and more than 145 million copies of his books have been sold around the world.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a 1969 children's picture book designed, illustrated, and written by Eric Carle. The plot follows a very hungry caterpillar that consumes a variety of foods before pupating and becoming a butterfly. It incorporates elements that contribute to early childhood education, including counting, days of the week, and food.

May 23 is the 143rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 222 days remain until the end of the year.