News | March 19, 2018

The Eric Carle Museum Announces 2018 Honorees

Amherst, MA — The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is pleased to announce the 2018 Carle Honors Honorees, to be awarded at Guastavino's in New York City on Thursday, September 27, 2018. The 13th annual gala and fundraiser will honor those who have played an instrumental role in making picture books a vibrant and influential art and literary form. This year, The Carle will award the following honors:

Artist: Paul O. Zelinsky is master of many styles, bringing exceptional artistry and poignant storytelling to the field. He received the 1998 Caldecott Medal for his illustrated retelling of Rapunzel. Three additional books received Caldecott Honors: Hansel and Gretel (1985), Rumpelstiltskin (1987), and Swamp Angel (1995). Zelinsky is regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed artists in the field of children's literature. 

Angel: The Sendak Fellowship, represented by Lynn Caponera and Dona Ann McAdams

The Sendak Fellowship has made remarkable strides in advancing the next generation of talent within children's literature. The annual fellowship, created by Maurice Sendak in 2010, encourages the creation of work that "excites and incites," while fostering young illustrators and writers, providing them with artist residencies. Previous fellows include Elisha Cooper, Terry and Eric Fan, Yuyi Morales, Sergio Ruzzier, and other talents.  

Bridge: The Bologna Children's Book Fair, represented by Elena Pasoli

The Bologna Children's Book Fair has successfully brought together books and publishers from around the world, creating a global audience and strengthening international bonds across cultures. Organizers showcase the importance of quality children's books as a tool for opening minds and helping children grow as global citizens. As both a cultural book show and international rights business forum, the fair creates a unique locus of discussion for children's books.

Mentor: Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop has influenced generations of students as a children's literature scholar and as author of Shadow and Substance: Afro-American Experience in Contemporary Children's Fiction (1982) and Free Within Ourselves: The Development of African American Children's Literature (2007). She has been a champion of diversity in the field and is credited with the indispensable metaphor of books as both "windows and mirrors."

The Host of the 2018 awards is best-selling author Andrea Davis Pinkney. Her exemplary work has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Coretta Scott King Book Awards, Jane Addams Children's Literature Honor citations, the Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor medal, and many more. Pinkney is also a successful children's book publisher and editor with titles by Allen Say, Lois Lowry, Toni Morrison, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and more.

The awards are selected each year by a committee chaired by children's literature historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus, who was central to the founding of the Honors. The committee recognizes four distinct awards: Artist, for lifelong innovation in the field; Angel, whose generous resources are crucial to making illustrated children's book art exhibitions, education programs, and related projects a reality; Mentor, editors, designers, and educators who champion the art form; and Bridge, individuals who have found inspired ways to bring the art of the picture book to larger audiences through work in other fields. 

The Carle Honors is a key fundraiser for The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, supporting the Museum's mission to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books. The annual event includes a silent auction featuring works of art donated by the industry's most celebrated artists, including Eric Carle. For ticket and sponsorship information, please contact Rebecca Miller Goggins, Director of Development at 413-559-6308 or rebeccag@carlemuseum.org. Use the 

hashtag #CarleHonors and follow @CarleMuseum on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date on new announcements!