MUCH LOVED AUTHOR
Eric Carle net worth: How much was The Hungry Caterpillar author worth?
U.S. children’s author Eric Carle, who was best known for his classic book The Hungry Caterpillar, has died at the age of 91.
in Northampton, , on May 23, 2021, as a result of kidney failure.
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What was Eric Carle's net worth?
According to , the author was worth an estimated $80million at the time of his death in May 2021.
made his wealth largely thanks to the intellectual rights of his popular books.
Before reportedly selling his franchise to children’s publishers Penguin Random House in 2019, it is estimated that the author earned anywhere from $5million to $8million in royalties every year.
Carle said about the sale in 2019:
Carle said in a statement: “My son, Rolf and I have decided to transition the management of my books to the most logical and appropriate place: Penguin Random House.
"I know they will continue the work of Eric Carle studio with creativity, integrity, and care.
“I feel confident that entrusting Penguin Random House with my life’s work is the right direction for me, and will benefit many future generations of readers for my books.”
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How popular were his children’s books?
Eric Carle enjoyed a prolific 55-year publishing career.
In that time he illustrated more than 70 books for children - including such classics as Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, The Grouchy Ladybug, and The Very Busy Spider.
A lot of the books are about creepy crawlies, ranging from spiders to lady bugs and crickets to, of course, caterpillars.
He told in 2007: "I think it started with my father. He took me for long walks and explained things to me."
Copies of his books have since been translated into 66 different languages and sold over 150 million times, according to Forbes.
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His most famous book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, published in 1969, has sold well over 50 million copies alone.
It is estimated that nowadays the title is being bought every 15 seconds.
A statement from his family on his upon his death simply said: "In the light of the moon, holding on to a good star, a painter of rainbows is now traveling across the night sky."
Penguin Kids Books tweeted: "It is with heavy hearts that we share that Eric Carle, author & illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and many other beloved classics. .
"Thank you for sharing your great talent with generations of young readers."
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How many awards did Eric Carle win?
According to his website, Carle won a number of awards over his career thanks to the success of his books.
His most famed book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has raked in 18 awards on its own including The New York Times Top Ten Best Illustrated Books of the Year, 1969.
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Individually, the author won the 2003 Children’s Literature Legacy Award - a prize for writers who have made a lasting contribution to the field.
This followed the 1999 Regina Award, which also recognized Carle’s literature legacy.
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