The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Where it came from

The Very Hungry Caterpillar was written and illustrated by Eric Carle and first published in 1969. The idea began with a simple image Carle had in mind of a bookworm eating through the pages of a book. That image slowly transformed into a caterpillar, and eventually into a butterfly. Carle combined this idea with his love of nature and learning, creating a story that introduces young readers to counting, the days of the week, food, and the life cycle of a butterfly. His signature collage-style illustrations, made from hand-painted paper, helped make the book instantly recognisable.

Where it went next

The book became a worldwide classic and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time. It has been translated into dozens of languages and is often one of the first books shared with babies and toddlers. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has inspired stage shows, educational resources, toys, clothing, and even museum exhibitions celebrating Eric Carle’s work. More than fifty years after its publication, the caterpillar is still munching his way into new generations of readers’ hearts.

Associated stories

Eric Carle created many other much-loved picture books that explore nature, growth, and discovery. These include The Very Busy Spider, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, The Grouchy Ladybug (published in the UK as The Bad-Tempered Ladybird), The Tiny Seed, and From Head to Toe. While they feature different animals and ideas, they share Carle’s bold artwork, simple storytelling, and gentle encouragement for curiosity and learning.