Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Last updated: June 18, 2019


Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar

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Product Details

In our analysis of 99 expert reviews, the Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar placed 8th when we looked at the top 13 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

“In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf.” So begins Eric Carle’s modern classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. More than 12 million copies of this book have been sold in its original, full-sized edition, and the beloved tale of science and gluttony has been translated into 20 languages. This five-by-four-inch miniature edition is truly tiny, with tiny type, but it is a nice size for small hands to hold and flip through the pictures. Despite its diminished state, the book is complete in every detail, following the ravenous caterpillar’s path as he eats his way through one apple (and the pages of the book itself) on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, three plums on Wednesday, and so on, through cherry pie and sausage–until he is really fat and has a stomachache. And no doubt you know what happens next! Kids love butterfly metamorphosis stories, and this popular favorite teaches counting and the days of the week, too. A fun gift package for caterpillar fans. (Baby to preschool) –Karin Snelson

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

In the case of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar, it's the combination of wonderful illustrations, an entertaining story, and a unique book design. Carle's illustrations are created with collage techniques. He uses hand-painted papers, which he cuts, layers, and shapes to create his colorful artwork. The pages of the book vary in size, which is part of the fun.
The one we own and enjoy most is the board book version because it has some interesting page details like cutouts and mini pages that are really fun.It contains beautiful illustrations, it has plenty of intrigue with the different page sizes, and it is a true kid’s classic.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar counting, because the design includes smaller pages that increase in size, as well as "eaten" holes to poke a finger through, a toddler can follow the gluttonous caterpillar on a tactile journey, and it actually works.
The Story is engaging, and the artwork is inspiring to young minds.
This is one of the first books I ate! It’s a good size for holding and eating — not too big and not too small. The pages are also different sizes and some of them have holes in them.

What reviewers didn't like

The two-page spread in which the caterpillar is in a cocoon is text-heavy and graphically boring (looks like a turd!). I edit the text down to get to the butterfly finale faster.
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