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The Very Hungry Caterpillar Facts & Worksheets

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” written and illustrated by Eric Carle, is a beloved children’s picture book. Published in 1969, Carle’s enchanting narrative traces the adventures of a little caterpillar with an enormous appetite. The book teaches counting, days of the week, and the butterfly life cycle, among its other themes.

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“The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” written and illustrated by Eric Carle, is a beloved children’s picture book. Published in 1969, Carle’s enchanting narrative traces the adventures of a little caterpillar with an enormous appetite. The story is a series of collage-style illustrations paired with text, which captures the unique metamorphosis of a caterpillar as it grows into a splendid butterfly. The book teaches counting, days of the week, and the butterfly life cycle, among its other themes.

See the fact file below for more information about the Literarure Study, The Very Hungry Caterpillar or you can download our 25-page The Very Hungry Caterpillar worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

AUTHOR INFORMATION

  • Eric Carle, born on June 25, 1929, in Syracuse, New York, was a famous American writer, artist, and designer.
  • He started creating children’s books when he moved to Germany in the 1950s, where he began working as a graphic designer.
  • His first illustrated children’s book, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” (1967), was made with Bill Martin Jr., an American children’s book author.
  • But it was “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” published in 1969, that made Eric Carle a well-known children’s author.
  • The idea for the book came from Carle’s love for nature, especially watching caterpillars.
  • As a child, he was amazed by how caterpillars turned into butterflies. This transformation became the key theme of his most famous work.
  • What made Carle’s illustrations special were the bright, hand-painted collages he used.
  • The colors and patterns he used made his drawings stand out and got children excited about both reading and art.
  • During his long career, Eric Carle kept making popular children’s books that made a huge impact.
  • Even though he passed away on May 23, 2021, his books like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” are still used to teach and entertain children worldwide.

PUBLICATION AND POPULARITY

  • The book was first published on June 3, 1969, by World Publishing Company in the United States and Hamish Hamilton in the United Kingdom.
  • It quickly became a much-loved classic in children’s literature.
  • It’s frequently utilized in schools and libraries because of its engaging narrative, educational themes, and unique illustrations that enhance storytelling.
  • “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” has gained widespread fame, especially after it was incorporated into theatrical performances and various merchandise.
  • Many children have grown up with this book and often share it with their classmates and siblings.

PLOT SUMMARY

  • The story kicks off on a Sunday morning with a tiny egg on a leaf, which symbolizes the starting point of the caterpillar’s life cycle.
  • This part introduces the fundamental concept of a butterfly’s life cycle.
  • What is described in the book as “a tiny and very hungry caterpillar” hatches from the egg.
  • It embarks on a gastronomic journey involving various foods like apples, pears, and plums.
  • The caterpillar progresses through increasing portions of fruit each day of the week, spanning Monday through Friday.
  • Specifically, the caterpillar eats one apple on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, three plums on Wednesday, four strawberries on Thursday, and five oranges on Friday.
  • Surprisingly, even after eating so much, the caterpillar is still not satisfied. 
  • Then comes Saturday, and the caterpillar goes all out, feasting on chocolate cake, ice cream, a pickle, Swiss cheese, salami, a lollipop, cherry pie, a sausage, a cupcake, and watermelon. 
  • But, as you might expect, it ends up with a stomach ache that night, emphasizing how the caterpillar faces the consequences of overeating.
  • The following Sunday brings a change as the once very hungry caterpillar opts for a simple green leaf.
  • Now big and fat, the caterpillar encases itself in a cocoon and stays inside for over two weeks. 
  • This marks the pupa stage in the butterfly’s life cycle.
  • What’s illustrated in this part is the transformation from a caterpillar to a chrysalis.
  • Afterward, it bites a hole and pushes out, emerging as a large, colorful butterfly, completing its remarkable transformation.

THEMES AND LIFE LESSONS

  • The caterpillar’s journey teaches readers the value of patience, the virtue of keeping calm and collected when you need to wait for something or when things take time.
  • From being a tiny egg to undergoing an incredible transformation, the caterpillar shows that good things take time.
  • A big theme in the story is change and transformation. 
  • The change happening with the caterpillar is a metaphor for personal growth and change, which could prompt readers to think positively about welcoming change as a natural and beautiful part of life.
  • The story is also brimming with the marvels of nature.
  • The vibrant illustrations of nature encourage readers to recognize and value the simple yet extraordinary facets of nature.

EDUCATIONAL ELEMENTS

COUNTING

  • Every day of the week, the caterpillar munches on different amounts of food, which makes a great counting activity.
  • The story’s pattern of eating more each day helps children practice counting in a fun way.

DAYS OF THE WEEK

  • The whole story is like a weekly adventure that could serve as a days-of-the-week practice session.
  • The caterpillar does different things each day, helping readers get used to the days of the week.

LIFE CYCLE OF A BUTTERFLY

  • The book’s central theme revolves around the caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly, introducing readers to the butterfly life cycle.
  • The stages of the caterpillar’s journey from egg to cocoon to emerging as a butterfly provide a basic yet visually powerful portrayal of metamorphosis.
  • This not only educates children about the natural progression of life but also sparks their curiosity about the wonders of nature.

INTERACTIVE LEARNING

  • Children can actively join in the storytelling, counting along with the caterpillar or naming the days of the week, turning educational elements into enjoyable activities.

AWESOME ILLUSTRATIONS

  • Eric Carle’s visually attractive illustrations enhance the educational aspect of the book.
  • The colors, patterns, and bold designs act as visual aids that make the story more engaging and meaningful.

LEGACY AND ADAPTATIONS

  • “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” made its way to UK television in 1993 and hit VHS video on October 17, 1994, thanks to PolyGram Video, then saw multiple re-releases.
  • “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” landed on DVD on April 24, 2006, as part of “The World of Eric Carle” anthology, a collaboration between the Illuminated Film Company and Ventura Distribution.
  • This anthology, also available on DVD in the US by Disney and in Australia by ABC DVD, later inspired a 10-track CD titled “The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories.”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Literature Study, The Very Hungry Caterpillar across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Published in 1969, Carle’s enchanting narrative traces the adventures of a little caterpillar with an enormous appetite.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Facts
  2. Creator Biography
  3. Book Basics
  4. A Week in the Life
  5. Spot the Sunday Treats
  6. Counting with Caterpillars
  7. Hand-painted Comics
  8. Think About Food
  9. Metamorphosis Haiku
  10. Let’s Gather ‘Round!
  11. Idiom Knowledge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” about?

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is a beloved children’s book written and illustrated by Eric Carle. It tells the story of a caterpillar who starts off very hungry and eats his way through various foods, eventually transforming into a beautiful butterfly.

What makes “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” a classic children’s book?

Several factors contribute to its status as a classic. Firstly, the simple yet engaging storyline captivates young readers, teaching them about the life cycle of a butterfly and the days of the week. Additionally, Eric Carle’s vibrant collage illustrations are distinctive and memorable, enhancing the reading experience.

How does “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” incorporate educational elements?

The book introduces educational concepts such as counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a fun and accessible way. Children learn about healthy eating habits as they follow the caterpillar’s journey through various fruits and foods.

What themes are explored in “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”?

Themes of growth, transformation, and the passage of time are prominent in the book. The caterpillar’s journey from voracious eater to beautiful butterfly mirrors the process of growing up and undergoing changes. Additionally, the importance of making healthy choices and the joy of discovery are central themes.

How has “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” influenced children’s literature?

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” has had a significant impact on children’s literature, inspiring countless authors and illustrators. Its innovative use of collage art and interactive storytelling techniques set a new standard for children’s books. The book’s enduring popularity also demonstrates the timeless appeal of simple yet profound storytelling for young audiences.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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