The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar was written and illustrated by Eric Carle. This book has been published and distributed by Pearson. They make sure one hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of this book directly supports Jumpstart's work with children from low-income families.

This is an early childhood book that consists on many learning opportunities throughout the book. The teaching possibilities are endless. Carle included the concepts of numbers, days of the week, and fruit. Colors could also be taught easily. His illustrations are very popular because of his unique use of tissue paper, which could also be a fun craft to do with children.

There are many ways to get children involved with this book, but my favorite activity is making a felt story board. You take a piece of cardboard and cover it with felt. Cut out different pieces of felt to make a caterpillar and food items from the book. Children can then use this story board to retell the story.

RL K.1. With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

Some other learning activities:

Go on a nature walk to see if your child can find eggs, caterpillars, or butterflies.

Try the fruits and foods the caterpillar ate. Encourage the child to write and draw them also.

Make a chart of everything the child ate for a week just like the caterpillar.

Visit your local butterfly house.

Ask your child to pick his or her own insect and to create a journey for it.