What is Eric Carle's Net Worth?
Eric Carle was an esteemed American designer, illustrator, and author of children's books with a remarkable net worth of $80 million at the time of his passing. He is globally recognized for his iconic book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Before selling the rights to this beloved franchise to Random House in late 2019, Carle earned between $5 million to $8 million annually from book royalties. Throughout his prolific career, he sold an astounding 170 million copies of various books worldwide. Eric Carle passed away on May 23, 2021, at the age of 91.
Early Life and Career
Born in June 1928 in Syracuse, New York, Eric Carle spent a portion of his childhood in Germany during World War II. During the war, he was conscripted to dig trenches on the Siegfried line. In 1952, Carle moved to New York City with just $40, eventually working as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. His service in the U.S. Army as a mail clerk during the Korean War showcased his diverse range of experiences. Later, Carle transitioned to an advertising agency's director role.
Breakthrough with Children's Literature
Eric Carle's foray into children's literature began with his collaboration on the picture book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?," which became a best-seller. Encouraged by this success, Carle started writing and illustrating his own stories. His early works included "1, 2, 3 to the Zoo" and the internationally acclaimed "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." This masterpiece has been translated into over 58 languages and has sold over 38 million copies globally.
Achievements and Legacy
Over his illustrious career, Carle went on to illustrate more than 70 books, cumulatively selling over 170 million copies worldwide. His contributions to children's literature have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in 2003 and a nomination for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2010. Some of Carle's other notable works are "The Grouchy Ladybug," "All Around Us," "All in a Day," and "Little Cloud."
