Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 Carle Honors is being reimagined as a virtual benefit to support the Museum and its art and literacy programs. The annual art auction will be its focus, and two pieces will be auctioned live during the virtual event on Thursday, September 24, 2020. Participating auction artists, additional details about the event, and opportunities to support The Carle will be forthcoming.

" We miss our many friends in the children's book community, and wish everyone well," says Rebecca Miller Goggins, director of development for The Carle. "Until we can meet again in person, we hope you will join us in bringing well-deserved attention to these extraordinary Honorees for their life's work."

Artist: Raúl Colón
Raúl Colón is an award-winning illustrator of over 30 children's books, including Draw!; Imagine!; Susanna Reich's José! Born to Dance; Frank McCourt's Angela's Christmas; and Jill Biden's Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops. Throughout his distinguished career, Colón has inspired readers and illustrators alike with his exceptional artistry, unique techniques, and powerful stories of people who never give up on their dreams.

Angel: Every Child a Reader, represented by Carl Lennertz

As the not-for-profit arm of the Children's Book Council, Every Child a Reader sponsors far-reaching literacy programs, including Children's Book Week, Children's & Teen Choice Book Awards, and Get Caught Reading. With the Library of Congress, it co-sponsors the National Ambassadorship for Young People's Literature. Carl Lennertz serves as the executive director of Every Child a Reader.

Mentor: Patricia Aldana

Patricia Aldana is a renowned children's book publisher who has devoted her career to bringing new voices to picture books. She is the founder of Groundwood Books, Past President of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), President of the IBBY Trust, and Publisher of Aldana Libros, an imprint of Greystone Kids.

Bridge: Dennis M. V. David and Justin G. Schiller

Dennis M. V. David and Justin G. Schiller, founders of Battledore Ltd., enjoy a combined 100-year career as dealers in rare and collectible children's books, related original illustration art, and manuscripts. Together they contribute pioneering scholarship in the field of children's literature and illustration, and play seminal, behind-the-scenes roles as builders of many of the field's major research collections.

The Carle Honors Honorees 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 or organizations who have found inspired ways to bring the art of the picture book to larger audiences through work in other fields.

For additional information about the 2021 Carle Honors Honorees or the 2020 Art Auction and Virtual Fundraiser, please contact Rebecca Miller Goggins, Director of Development, at rebeccag@carlemuseum.org

Butterfly from The Very Hungry Caterpillar copyright 1969 and 1987 by Eric Carle.

Dennis M. V. David and Justin G. Schiller photo by Peter Bolte.