See 'Very Hungry Caterpillar' author Eric Carle's 'Favorite Animal'

Hungry for more gorgeous, hand-painted collagework from Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal winner Eric Carle? You’re in luck!

The beloved illustrator has collaborated with 13 other award-winning children’s book artists — including Elephant and Piggie creator Mo Willems, Max and Ruby creator Rosemary Wells, and Jon Klassen of I Want My Hat Back fame — for a brand new picture book called What’s Your Favorite Animal, Carle’s first new work in two years. In this anthology, each artist gets two pages to draw and describe his or her own favorite animal; picks run the gamut from predictable (a giraffe) to decidedly whimsical (an “Amazonian Neotropical Lower River Tink-Tink). All royalties from the book will be donated to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass., not far from Carle’s old home in Northampton.

Want to know which critter Carle chose to highlight? Hint: It’s not the caterpillar.

“I have always loved animals, ever since I was a very small boy. And I am especially fond of cats,” the author tells EW via email. “As a young child and as an adult living in my New York City walk-up, I can remember my love of certain cats. Animals and pets are such a part of life. This book is a celebration of that love for the creatures who fascinate and comfort us — and stay in our hearts.”

Get a glimpse at Carle’s favorite feline below — and look out for What’s Your Favorite Animal?, which hits shelves Jan. 21, 2014.