The only primary source for this story seems to be a parody issue of The Paris Review.[1] And his list of articles and interviews doesn't mention it.[2]
Where does it say it’s a parody issue? An April 1 publication date isn’t nearly enough evidence to make that claim, and the interview itself isn’t written in a cheeky way. What seems to make you think this is the case?
Consider that the issue is introduced as the “inaugural issue” of a companion quarterly for young readers. Then consider these entries from the table of contents:
- You Whoreson Cullionly Barber-Monger! 9 Bully-busting Insults from Shakespeare
- Your Struggle: Karl Ove Knausgaard Helps You Navigate the School Yard
[1] https://www.theparisreview.org/the-art-of-fiction-carle
[2] https://eric-carle.com/about-eric-carle/articles-interviews/