Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education (RCOE) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the publication of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Friday, April 5. The event was held in the RCOE, located at 151 College Street, and included a gallery tour and reception.
Visitors had the opportunity to tour the RCOE’s permanent installation of Eric Carle prints and purchase special 50th-anniversary editions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar as well as other Eric Carle classics.
Ashley Pennell, adjunct professor in the Department of Reading Education Special Education shares, "It was so wonderful to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in the RCOE with colleagues, friends, and members of the larger community. Dr. Connie Green and her students did a fantastic job giving tours of Carle's artwork on the third floor and offering storytime for children of all ages. My daughter loves to walk the halls of the RCOE and marvel at Carle's artwork, so this was extra special to spend an evening celebrating one of the most beloved children's books of all times."
John Pearce, Scholars Bookshop Manager at the University Bookstore shared, "All the people involved in the celebration were fantastic. I am really happy that Connie Green asked me to be a part of this. The University Bookstore is dedicated to supporting all departments on campus if we can. The event was wonderful and many people visited with their children. The cupcake display was a huge hit and was so cute! Our pop-up store was a great addition and I sold quite a few books. Overall, I think the event was a great success."
Connie Green, a professor in the Department of Reading Education Special Education and event coordinator, states, "It was thrilling to share the 50th birthday of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Eric Carle's 90th birthday with our Boone and Appalachian communities. Many of the children who came to see the exhibit had memorized several of Carle's books and were excited to share with us."
Selected Event Photos
Ashley Pennell, adjunct professor for the RCOE, attended the event with her daughter. Students are reading an Eric Carle book to her.
Ashley Pennell, adjunct professor for the RCOE, attended the event with her daughter. Students are touring her around the pictures of the Eric Carle illustrations on the third floor of the RCOE.
Cupcakes were made in the shape of The Hungry Caterpillar to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The rotunda in the RCOE had light refreshments and caterpillar themed cupcakes to celebrate and kickoff the event.
Students from Lucy Brock lead tours of the third floor Eric Carle pictures.
Related Stories
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Friday, April 5
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
