Eric Carle, a beloved American illustrator and author, passed away on Sunday, his family revealed.

According to the family of the author of the children’s book ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, the 91-year-old icon died at his studio in Northampton, Massachusetts.

As Rolf Carle, the inspiring author’s son, revealed in a statement to The New York Times, his father had died after suffering kidney failure.

“In the light of the moon, holding on to a good star, a painter of rainbows is now travelling across the night sky,” the family wrote.

Carle’s death was also announced by his team who paid a touching tribute to the author on social media.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Eric Carle, author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and many other beloved classics, passed away on Sunday,” they wrote.

“When asked why he thinks The Very Hungry Caterpillar has remained popular for so long, Carle said, ‘I think it is a book of hope. Children need hope. You, little insignificant caterpillar can grow up into a beautiful butterfly and fly into the world with your talent.’

“Thank you, Eric Carle for sharing your great talent with so many generations of young readers.”

Throughout the decades, Carle gave life to a series of children’s books – including ‘From Head to Toe’, ‘Do You Want to Be My Friend?’, and ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?’ – in which he expressed his thoughts with the help of bright colors and simple words.

He is also the mastermind behind ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, a famous book that has sold over 50 million copies and got translated into 62 languages since its release in 1969.

“For many years, my publisher and editor and I did not know the reason for The Very Hungry Caterpillar being so popular,” Carle previously said of his success with The Very Hungry Caterpillar in an interview with BBC.

As he added, however, he eventually realized what made the book unforgettable.

“But over time, I’ve come to feel that it is a book of hope. And it is this hopeful feeling that has made it a book readers of all ages enjoy and remember,” the author said back in 2019.

Our thoughts are with Carle’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.