I can still, after all these decades, feel the warmth of my own mother beside me when I read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to my children. I can still recall the delight at that spectacular, special, fandangled page where the pillar bores through apples, pears, oranges and plums. I remember sticking my tiny finger into the holes and drooling in awe at the double page spread of cakes, cookies and sausages.
No wonder The Very Hungry Caterpillar remains a favourite with children modern day as well. Often, the books with the most simple premise and the most honest of illustrations, are the ones that succeed for so long.
There is nothing pretentious about this book. It is out-and-out gorgeousness, from the colours to the educational storyline – rich with message, even as kids don’t know it.
We have two of these books in our house – one for Ella and one Riley to keep forever. We laminate these types of books, and I so look forward to the moment my children’s children poke their fingers into the holes made by The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Teachers' Notes
Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author/Illustrator: Eric Carle
Publisher: Puffin, $16.95 RRP
Publication Date: 26 June 2003 (reprint)
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9780140569322
For ages: 0 - 6
Type: Picture Book
