Copies of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," by acclaimed children's author and illustrator Eric Carle. AP

Eric Carle, the beloved children’s author and illustrator whose classic "The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and other works gave millions of kids some of their earliest and most cherished literary memories, has died at age 91.

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Carle's family says he died Sunday at his summer studio in Northampton, Massachusetts, with family members at his side. The family's announcement was issued by Penguin Young Leaders.

 Eric Carle reads from "Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?" in New York. File/AP

Through books like "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” "Do You Want to Be My Friend?” and "From Head to Toe,” Carle introduced universal themes in simple words and bright colors.

"The unknown often brings fear with it,” he once observed. "In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.”

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” published in 1969, was welcomed by parents and delighted kids with its story of the metamorphosis of a green and red caterpillar with a touch of blue and brown to a proudly multi-colored butterfly.

Associated Press