Brown Bear Turns 50

Published in 1967, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? had an immediate appeal to children and adults alike. Bill Martin Jr’s rhythmic call-and-response text builds anticipation at each turn of the page, while Eric Carle’s bold graphics and parade of animals encourage learning and imagination. Brown Bear has been translated into 31 languages—from Arabic to Vietnamese—and has sold 16 million copies. In addition to the original 1967 book, Carle re-illustrated editions in 1970, 1984, and 1992.

Artwork from every page of the famous book is on display, as well as a selection of Carle’s collages from additional collaborations with Martin. One of only two surviving collages from the 1967 edition—Brown Bear himself—has been faithfully restored and is on view for the first time.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website

Whether you go or not, Lift-the-Tab: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? 50th Anniversary Edition is available for the first time as a lift-the-tab board book for ages 2 - 5 years. With the complete and unabridged text and art of the classic Brown Bear story, this lift-the-tab format celebrates the fiftieth Anniversary with a brand-new look and feel. Readers will discover the classic rhythmic text featuring colorful animals, brought to life in Eric Carle's powerful collage art.