Just hours before the 13th annual Carle Honors gala, School Library Journal reviews managing editor Luann Toth talked to a couple of the 2018 Carle Honors recipients at the legendary Algonquin Hotel in New York City on September 27. On Facebook Live, Toth caught up with Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, children’s literature scholar who coined “mirrors, windows, and sliding doors,” and Paul O. Zelinsky, Caldecott Medal-winning artist of Rapunzel.

Watch the videos below.

Later that night, the benefit gala was hosted at Guastavino’s. It raises funds to support the Eric Carle Museum and fêtes those who have played an instrumental role in making children’s books a vibrant and influential art and literary form in America.

The Carle Honors annual benefit gala, along with the Carle Honors Art Auction, raises critical funds for the Museum and recognizes individuals and organizations for their laudable contributions to the world of picture books. Hosted by Museum co-founder Eric Carle and presented by Andrea Davis Pinkney, award-winning author, publisher and editor, the 2018 Carle Honors were awarded to:

• Paul O. Zelinsky, Artist, Caldecott medalist and critically-acclaimed artist of works such as Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel
• The Sendak Fellowship & Workshop, Angel, represented by Lynn Caponera and Dona Ann McAdams, fostering illustrators and writers by encouraging out-of-the box thinking and providing artist residencies
• The Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Bridge, represented by Elena Pasoli, cultural book show and international rights business forum strengthening global literary bonds
• Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, Mentor, influential children’s literature scholar and author championing diversity in children’s picture books

ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The mission of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a non-profit organization in Amherst, MA, is to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books. A leading advocate in its field, The Carle collects, preserves, presents, and celebrates picture books and picture-book illustrations from around the world. In addition to underscoring the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of picture books and their art form, The Carle offers educational programs that provide a foundation for arts integration and literacy.

Eric Carle and his wife, the late Barbara Carle, co-founded the Museum in November 2002. Carle is the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Since opening, the 43,000-square foot facility has served more than 750,000 visitors, including 50,000 schoolchildren. The Carle houses more than 11,000 objects, including 7,300 permanent collection illustrations. The Carle has three art galleries, an art studio, a theater, picture book and scholarly libraries, and educational programs for families, scholars, educators, and schoolchildren. Bobbie’s Meadow is a new outdoor space that combines art and nature. Educational offerings include professional training for educators around the country and Master's degree programs in children's literature with Simmons College. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm. Open Mondays in July and August and during MA school vacation weeks. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children under 18, and $22.50 for a family of four. For further information and directions, call (413) 559-6300 or visit the Museum's website at www.carlemuseum.org.