Amherst, Shelburne Falls (July 17, 2025)

July 17, 2025

Amherst, Shelburne Falls (July 17, 2025)

Eric Carle Museum of Children’s Books; Amherst, MA

We had a low key day today, beginning with our stop at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA. I recall reading his books to the boys; there wasn’t really that much reading but there was lots of discussion about colors and what was happening to the critter who was the focus of the book. I was always drawn to the richness of his collages and was excited to learn more about him at his museum.

Other exhibits included a Grace Lin book group and a wonderful display of endpapers. I usually pass over endpapers to get to the “real part” of the book. but endpapers, done right, can really enhance the story and give it more meaning. Carle and his editor were sticklers for his end pages in his books, but these diverse children’s books had equally diverse endpapers.

I know I’m a grownup but I loved this museum!

Painted paper collage of numbers

The Very Hungry Catepillar. How many times did we read THIS one? Lots and lots!

Here, Carle blended colors directly on the tissue papers he used for his figures, rather than cutting out individual colors from that colored sheet. He said he would get lost in his work and just loved playing with vibrant colors.

Dan saw this photo and said it made him feel a lot better about my ArtLab—Eric Carle’s is EVEN MESSIER than mine! Ha! Win!

Detail from one of the huge paintings brightening up the foyer of the Carle Museum.

Museum foyer

Zoo Collage

Kids can climb on and sit inside this catepillar!

Carle’s animal collages reproduced on ceramic tiles in the restroom! (This is the second bathroom shot I’ve posted in two days…that’s kinda weird!)

Montague Book Mill

We then headed to the Book Mill, a recommendation from my friend Carol. Funky used-book store is so popular that most every seat was filled with people who just came to read among their friends in a friendly atmosphere!

Even the tables outside were filled.

The Sawmill River Arts Collective was next door to the bookstore, so of course I had to do a quick browse! They had fun jewelry, multimedia “robot” constructions, wooden charcuterie boards, prints, paintings and photos. Quite a nice collection.

Carol and David’s House, Ashfield

A patch of gooseneck loosestrife in the garden

Relaxing on the screened-in porch

We headed to Shelburne and Buckley to see the recently re-opened Bridge of Flowers, the falls, and the potholes. Apparently when they have potholes in Shelburne, they are the geological formation kind of potholes. When WE have potholes, we have to be careful when driving to carefully negotiate around them! Here, people come to SEE them!

An aside: Dan and I had both commented as to how well-maintained all these curving mountain roads are. We have yet to even see an Ohio-style pothole! I asked Carol how they manage to have such smooth roads here in Massachusetts. She immediately answered: we pay taxes to pay for infrastructure! Yup. Imagine that. Paying taxes to ensure a better quality of life!