Wow! I had no idea this book was so old. We never got to read it 😁. I found this book first at this little book store called “Book Stop” in kormanagala opposite the Krishna temple. Its a small cozy store with a lovely collection of books for kids and adults. I specifically like the kids collection. Books I cant see anywhere else I definitely see here. Eric Carle and tulika books I find here always.

Coming back to the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Its been a favourite in my house since 5years! First P and now A. They simply love the wonderful illustrations and the whole journey of the little caterpillar first turning into a big fat caterpillar and then into a beautiful butterfly. Whenever I reach the point at which the egg “pops” and out comes a little caterpillar, A will give out a little Pop sound and it really excites her to see the caterpillar. And then when the last page says “he was a beautiful butterfly” she will spread out her arms and say the words herself which such elation as if she herself has turned into a butterfly. And the point where he gets a stomach ache she will ask me each and every time, without fail, “uska pet kyon dukh raha hai? Woh kaise theek ho gaya?” (why is his stomach aching? How did he become all right?)

This little book with such a simple story has so many lessons in it.

1. The basic story of how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly is so exciting for the little ones. Its like magic for them. The caterpillar eats and sleeps and becomes a butterfly!

2. Counting for beginners! He eats 1 and then 2 and till 5 at least. So it expains the concept adding one fruit at a time and makes its simple to understand.

3. If you eat junk food your stomach will ache 😂. Infact in the last academic year, P’s school had taught them about junk food etc and they chose this very book to present a skit to the parents about their learning’s.

4. And as Eric Carle points out in the below article, “It is an affirmation to all children. It says: I too can grow up. I too can unfold my wings and fly into the world. I think it’s this message of hope.” This is the most beautiful message we can give our children. You can have your own beautiful wings. You can fly where you like and be a master of your dreams.

I personally like Eric Carle books a lot. Each one has something different and nice to offer. A life lesson, a life skill. So simply and beautifully explained. The little cut outs in books give so much more dimension to the stories. They are definitely one of the best series of books for pre schoolers.

Below is the article I found on this book turning 50.

The book has sold more than 50 million copies in 62 languages worldwide
— Read on people.com/books/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-book-turns-50/