Eric Carle was born in Syracuse New York. When Eric was just six his mother became home sick and moved back to Germany where he graduated from the local art school And later on his father joined the German Army during WWII. Later that year he was captured by the Soviet Union. Two years later he returned home completely depressed. Years later a major illustrator sawone of his designs in an add and decided to collaborate with him on a children's story which is how he started his career of children's books.