Eric Carle (born June 25, 1929 in Syracuse, New York) is an American children's author and illustrator. Carle has illustrated more than 70 books with some being best sellers. More than 102 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide. His best known work is the 1969 book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" which has been translated into over 50 different languages. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany with the Second Armored Division and was appointed the position of mail clerk. Carle has a son and a daughter.