The Worm-like Critter Who Really Needed A Meal

I don't know if you knew this or not but apparently I didn't write the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". A (I'm sure) very lovely and talented man by the name of Eric Carle wrote that book. He's worked on many other fabulous books as well that I'm sure you are familiar with. I was raised reading many of these books and some of my very first book-related memories involve the book "Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?" which he illustrated. In fact, I love this mans' books so much that when one of my customers requested a first birthday party based around "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" I was thrilled! It's a pretty popular theme these days, which I think is so wonderful. Parties for young children involving books - it doesn't get any better! So much better than all of the uber-commercialized, generic, if not trashy "children's" partyware out there. The day my child eats birthday cake off of the bare mid section of a "Bratz" girl on a plate...well...let's all just hope that day never comes.

But I digress.

So, up goes the "reserved listing" in my shop. Complete with "the" caterpillar. I wanted to give the customer an idea of the "feel" of her party. I wasn't selling the caterpillar image. I was selling my time and talent and paper and ribbon and glue - all of the things it takes me to create an entire birthday party revolved around a simple "theme".

BUT FIRST I went out and PURCHASED THE BOOK.

Because it's such a great book, and because I knew I'd hold on to this book for years to come, because I would need a refresher in order to design coordinating partyware, because there was a long waiting list at the library - I bought it. Did you read that Eric Carle? I bought your book. You're welcome buddy. Go get a cheeseburger on me.

Before I was even done with the party, with only the purchased "reserved listing" in my Etsy shop - I received an email from Etsy telling me that Mr. Such and Such, a LAWYER representing ERIC CARLE had contacted them regarding MY party listing. Apparently I didn't write the book, and I don't have the rights to the images and I'm not allowed to ever post anything like that ever again. I wonder if all the folks with hungry caterpillar listings - all 4 pages of them - received emails like mine.

On one hand, I see where they are coming from. Sure he wants to be the one making money on his book. OH WAIT...HE DID. I wouldn't have purchased it if I hadn't been so garsh-darn excited about that party.

Why did I write this you ask? Why did I take the time to rant my pants off regarding this matter? Because it was a good reminder for all of us creative kids- stay away from the commercial stuff. Even when it seems harmless, healthy even - just stay away. Because all of those Erics out there want more cheeseburgers.

So, because I know you are all wondering how it turned out - I give you a picture of my "time and talent" - I call it "The Worm-Like Critter Who Really Needed A Meal"

I hope all of the darling little kiddies at the party had so much fun that they all run home and beg their parents to go out and buy them a copy of the book. mmm....cheeseburgers.