Eric Carle (1929–2021) enchanted the world with his bright, joyful collages, each one crafted from hand‑painted papers bursting with color and imagination. His art often shines a gentle spotlight on the tiny creatures of the world—little wonders he learned to love during childhood walks with his father. Together, they wandered through forests and meadows, lifting leaves and peeking under stones to discover beetles, moths, snails, and other small magic-makers hiding in the quiet corners of nature.

Inspired by Carle’s books and the tiny characters who flutter and crawl across his pages, how might we turn our own backyards and gardens into welcoming havens for these miniature neighbors? Join us as local beekeeper Kristin Vogel shares her delightful journey—her adventures caring for honeybees and the thoughtful, pollinator-friendly choices she sprinkles throughout her garden to help bees and other essential creatures thrive.

Image Credit:  Eric Carle, Illustration for The Tiny Seed. Collection of the Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation. © 1970 Penguin Random House LLC.