Eric Carle Murals Delight Two-year-olds at Lake Forest Country Day School

Lake Forest Country Day School’s 1st STEP program entrance hallways are now filled with colorful mural replicas of Eric Carle’s artwork, children’s book author and illustrator known for such titles as The Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? The ceiling-to-floor mural was done by local artist Ruta Paceviciene, who shares LFCDS’s passion for Carle’s work.

1st STEP is LFCDS’s one-of-a-kind early childhood program for two- and three-year-olds. As a way to enhance the program’s indoor space, the School requested to replicate Carle’s work. The Eric Carle Studio granted their request this past May and the mural was completed by Paceviciene in June. According to Sara Walsh, director of the 1st STEP program, Carle was specifically chosen because of his timeless, classic style of work; age-appropriate illustrations; brilliant color tones; and the distinctiveness of his creations, allowing children to recognize his work in other settings.

“The placement of the murals will offer a bright, welcoming entrance and familiar beginning and ending to the children’s school day, connecting the many various ways we will incorporate Eric Carle’s work into our curriculum,” said Walsh.

Specific illustrations from Carle’s books The Tiny Seed, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Draw Me a Star were chosen based on how appropriately they complemented the space and the lessons they reinforce. Each illustration depicts nature and incorporates important teaching moments, such as demonstrating the life cycle of a flower.

LFCDS is committed to excellence in promoting the individual growth and progress of young children by creating enriching environments. The incorporation of Eric Carle’s books into the developmentally designed lessons provides children with an experience rich with literary opportunities. The early childhood program curriculum also includes creative explorations for students through music, dance, drama and art. This mural will act as an educational backdrop for artistic and language development.

1st STEP encourages the growth of independence and social awareness, sensory exploration, the enhancement of fine and gross motor activity, and language development. 1st STEP students are able to learn about the world they live in, develop concepts, and learn to express their feelings in appropriate ways. For more information on LFCDS or 1st STEP, please visit www.lfcds.org or call 847-234-2350.