"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

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By CherylAnne Nelson

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle is a wonderful children's book which is considered to be one of the classics in its genre. With its beautful illustrations and classic, simple story, the book is a favorite in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade classes throughout the United States and is also found in many homes.

Why is this book so well received? What makes it a great children's book? Perhaps it is the simple text which makes it easy for teachers and parents to present to little listeners and the fact that the wording is age appropriate allowing little ones to read it on their own when they are ready. I am sure that the subject matter is also a major factor as children and adults alike are fascinated by the transformation of the caterpillar into the butterfly.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is about the life cycle of a caterpillar and its metamorphosis into a butterfly. The title comes from the fact that the author depicts the caterpillar in its week-long journey to finding enough food to eat in order to grow and sustain itself when inside of its chrysalis and preparing for its transformation into a butterfly. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" not only teaches about the caterpillar/butterfly life cycle, but also teaches the days of the week and counting from numbers 1 through 6 as the caterpillar eats 1 apple on Monday, 2 pears on Tuesday and etc. until it reaches a combination of 6 food items on Saturday (On Sunday the caterpillar is a week old and is no longer hungry and begins its Chrysalis stage).    

If you have not read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to the little ones in your life, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy today at your local library or store and read it with your little one. I am sure they will love the story. I have provided a link to a beautiful video version of the story below--I hope you enjoy it--  I did!

Happy Reading AND For more fun things you can visit me at http://www.funforkids.today.com

Below is a WONDERFUL version of the classic story "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"

Comments

LondonGirl profile image

LondonGirl 3 years ago

My son loves this - my parents came over for dinner, and my Mum read it to him this very evening!

wannabwestern profile image

wannabwestern Level 3 Commenter 22 months ago

Thanks for this book review. Eric Carle is one of my favorite children's book authors and this could possibly be his best-known story. I like how Carle always piles on the educational possibilities in his children's books. In this story you have a bit of early childhood science, learning days of the week, counting, and even a message about good nutrition (since even ladybugs can eat too much junk food and get a tummyache!) Well done and I'm rating up and linking to you too! :)

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