The Very Hungry Caterpillar Award-winning

Author/Illustrator

Eric Carle

Eric Carle was born of German parents. He was always drawn to America after his family moved to Stuttgart when he was six. Carle’s childhood years in Germany were traumatic; as an adult he would make “books for the child in me, books I had longed for.” It is no surprise that his style is characterised by an explosive use of colour. During the war, his art teacher showed him his hidden collection of banned “degenerate” art, including works by Picasso, Klee and Matisse. At 16, Carle began studying graphic art at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Stuttgart. Returning to New York in 1952, Carle built a successful career in advertising. In the mid 1960s, Carle decided to give up this career to become an illustrator and graphic designer. His first published work appeared in a cookery book. Soon afterwards, children’s book author Bill Martin asked him to illustrate the manuscript of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? The resulting book was an instant hit. Encouraged by this success, Carle began submitting ideas for his own books. One of these was “Willie The Worm”. His editor suggested that a caterpillar might prove a more endearing character – the rest is history.

First published in 1969, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has sold over 29 million copies in more than 47 languages. Eric Carle has illustrated more than seventy books, and more than 88 million copies of his books have sold around the world.

Reviews

1. saba
   on 19 September 2011

   exellent

   this book made the children in my class very happy i love the pictures becausr they are great for children in reception!!!

   5out of 5

2. Natasha, Scholastic Staff
   on 21 April 2011

   Timeless Classic

   The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a timeless classic that never fails to inspire first time readers. The story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar will live on for generations to come!

3. teresa leung
   on 15 June 2009

   The Very Hungry Caterpillar

   It's fun and interesting with beautiful illustration.

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What kids think

1. 

   smilingdave17
   on 3 April 2018

   This book taught me how caterpillar’s grow. One of my favorite books

   5out of 5
2. 

   Sushi123
   on 20 September 2016

   Charming tissue-paper pictures along with a good concept for early learning children.

3. 

   lilyruby
   on 4 March 2015

   I liked this book my best part is when the catapillar eats all the food

   5out of 5
4. 

   Potterfan7
   on 9 March 2014

   One of the first books i remember, i love this book, with colourful pop outs this book is great for young readers alike. If you haven’t yet read this, you haven’t lived a real childhood.

   5out of 5
5. 

   Roodieroo
   on 8 March 2014

   I used to love this book

6. 

   harper01
   on 7 March 2014

   Ive always loved this book and this was my mums favourite when she was small. Its easy to read and understand and I like all the food he eats

   5out of 5
7. 

   Prisoner01
   on 4 March 2014

   This was one of my favourites when I was little, as it is a really fun book to read to people!

8. 

   josh40
   on 29 June 2013

   I didn’t like this book because it only had 2 pages

   1out of 5
9. 

   MissShadow1
   on 12 June 2013

   I loved this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though i’m not a little girl this book, to me, was amazing and funny.

   5out of 5
10. 

    dekan7
    on 28 May 2013

    its my fav childhood book so far

    5out of 5
11. 

    cheem021
    on 26 April 2013

    it’s funny

12. 

    iggypop000
    on 24 March 2013

    its caterpila tastic read it now if you hanent read it your missing out

13. 

    CookieM
    on 8 March 2013

    One on the first books i owned and i still love it

    5out of 5
14. 

    stupendousteen
    on 6 March 2013

    amazing book with great illustrations

    5out of 5
15. 

    lmdrld
    on 4 March 2013

    This is about a caterpillar who likes to munch different food.

16. 

    TheMileLongBookshelfBlog
    on 4 March 2013

    This was a very firm favourite of mine when I was about three years old. It’s such a sweet story.

17. 

    TINK
    on 20 August 2012

    It was a intresting boock. He was so greed at fist i falt he was going to explod but he didnot.

    I loved itso mush i was lathing athter i read the boock.

    4out of 5
18. 

    lolliepopgirl6
    on 24 June 2012

    good for children

    3out of 5
19. 

    Princessforever58
    on 7 March 2012

    My fave book of all time! I loved how the caterpillar turned into a butterfly!It was amazing. It’s a must read for every kid.

20. 

    Partyfairy123
    on 4 March 2012

    I like it when he eats all the food and when he turns into a butterfly!

21. 

    Narutorendan45
    on 1 March 2012

    I read this book when I was younger. In fact, I read it a lot of times because it was such a good book! All of the foods that the Author has thought of and put into the book are really creative! I remember it always used to make me hungry and the way that the book was set out was great! Would definitely recommend this, mainly to a younger audience though :)

    5out of 5
22. 

    angelslater
    on 1 March 2012

    this book is great how the pages all look life they have been eaten.

    4out of 5
23. 

    krittle90
    on 16 February 2012

    This is by far one of my favourite picture books of all time. My preschool children love this book.

    5out of 5
24. 

    bookworm75
    on 24 July 2011

    a fun book for younger kids aged 2-7

    5out of 5
25. 

    Fifi44
    on 2 June 2010

    I think the caterpillar is very greedy and funny.

    5out of 5
26. 

    beefy2008
    on 22 December 2009

    Everyone loves this classic book it amuses and entertains kids and adults of any age. the flaps make it more fun and reading less boring for kids! READ THIS! 5/5

    5out of 5
27. 

    angelgirl2121
    on 3 October 2009

    I loved this book when I was 5-6 and i still do! Its so fun when there’s the flaps and all that! i love book with flaps and textures 100% i will never get tired of this book

    5out of 5
28. 

    shopperkate
    on 23 September 2009

    This book is great because it has flaps and holes which the children can interact with. Great stocking filler!

29. 

    carrietriplet2
    on 14 October 2008

    i loved this book it was good when i was little and it still is!!!!!!!! it’s very ineresting and very colourful.

    5out of 5
30. 

    rosielee
    on 30 September 2008

    I really love this book because the caterpillar was so hungry he ate lots of different foods that it made him a big fat caterpillar.But that was ok because he turned into a beautiful butterfly!

    5out of 5
31. 

    009
    on 13 September 2008

    when I was just about 6 this was brilliant

    5out of 5