The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Carle, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. New York: Philomel Books, 1987.

This classic children’s book has been around for a long time; I think that most people under 50 grew up having this book read to them. I read it every year to my littles. For those of you unfamiliar with the book, it starts — “In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf.” The story goes on to talk about everything the caterpillar eats in the course of a week as he goes from a little egg to a big, fat caterpillar. Of course some of the things he eats are not really caterpillar food – but it is a fun story. The illustrations are done in typical Carle style.

Many teacher use this book when they have caterpillars in the classroom. I have a great sequencing activity I use with my littles after reading the book to them. I put them in small groups and have them put the cards in the correct order and then take turns re-telling the story. How have you used this book?

If  you don’t already have this classic, I recommend getting The Very Hungry Caterpillar from Amazon.