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Picture Book · Ages 1–6 · 1969 · Est. 2 min read-aloud

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

By Eric Carle

Part of the The Very Hungry Caterpillar series

A caterpillar hatches from an egg and goes through a series of physical transformations.

6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 556,150 ratings

28 pages· 221 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

A tiny caterpillar embarks on a week-long feast, devouring everything in sight. As he munches through colorful pages, his hunger leads to an unexpected metamorphosis. What will he become after his cocooned slumber? Discover the magic of transformation in this timeless tale, where each day brings new surprises and a delightful journey from caterpillar to butterfly.

“In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf.”

— from the book

From the publisher

Follows the progress of a hungry little caterpillar as he eats his way through a varied and very large quantity of food until, full at last, he forms a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep. Die-cut pages illustrate what the caterpillar ate on successive days.

Awards

New York Times Ten Best Picture Books of the Year (1969)School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (2012)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 28
Words: 221
Reading age: 1–6
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD460L

Themes & topics

Books about caterpillars Books about bugs and insects Books about fruit Books about food Books about numbers

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

Good to know

Stories behind the story

What is The Very Hungry Caterpillar about?

"I think it is a book of hope. Children need hope. You, little insignificant caterpillar, can grow up into a beautiful butterfly and fly into the world with your talent. Will I ever be able to do that? Yes, you will. I think that is the appeal of that book."

How many copies of The Very Hungry Caterpillar have been sold?

Around 50 million copies have been sold. On average, someone in the world purchases a copy every 30 seconds.

Where did you get the idea for The Very Hungry Caterpillar?

"I wasn't thinking of books or anything like that. I didn't have anything to do, so I took a stack of paper and a hole-punch and I playfully punched holes ... then I looked at them. Straight away I thought of a book worm." "I created a story called A Week with Willi the Worm. Then my editor suggested a caterpillar instead and I said 'Butterfly!' That's how it began."

Which President of the United States loved to read this book when visiting schools?

Former President George W. Bush would even have his advance team clear books teachers set out for him so he could read The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Were you surprised by the popularity The Very Hungry Caterpillar gained?

"It was bread and butter to me" he says, "It paid my rent. I truly didn't think of lasting success or anything like that. I mean, it's just a book."

When was The Very Hungry Caterpillar first published?

March 20, 1969 by World Publishing Company.

How many languages has The Very Hungry Caterpillar been translated into?

Has The Very Hungry Caterpillar been adapted into other media?

A television show of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, as well as other stories by Carle, was released in 1993. Though Carle did describe the show as "awful." A video-game adaption was released in 2010 and focused on language skills (rather than counting, like the book). There are also a few different The Very Hungry Caterpillar song adaptations, one from Learning Station and one from Mr. Teach on YouTube.

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.3

out of 7

5.5

“It's a classic for a reason! This was the first book my first baby showed a clear preference for - I think it's something about the bright colors and big shapes on a plain white background. Regardless, it's one we read, have read, and will read over and over again!”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the pillars of children's culture," says Ted Dewan. "It's almost like talking about how great the Beatles were. It's beyond reproach.”

Ted Dewan

Critic

“While the prominent use of white space lends a sparser feel than in the picture book, the shimmering wings of the pop-up butterfly dazzle...”

Publisher's Weekly

Critic

“Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar deserves its reputation as a much-loved classic. Full of bright and imaginative illustrations and ingenious cut-out details, it charts the progress of a very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through the week. The pictures readily engage children's attention and involve them in the reading process, while helping them learn about numbers, days of the week and time. This is a fantastic book for pre-school children, who are sure to demand it time and time again.”

Book Trust

Critic

For readers who can't stop at one