Customer Reviews: Read 41 more reviews...
 Hungry for the Caterpillar! October 14, 2008
If you love reading to your child, do not miss this book.
It is a delightful, humourous,dream-like surreal book, with a repetitive, poetic, chanting story.
It is (deservedly) a children's classic. Many reviewers here have tried to break down the different elements of this book.
What I would like to convey is the whole experience of reading the book which teaches a simple life experience to a child - which is highly spiritual, particularly the last pages where a riot of colour is the world through the eyes of a butterfly.
The story has optimism and beauty at its very core.
It has limitless opportunities for teaching and conversation. There is a colouring book of the fantastic illustrations which can be bought - the video and CD features lovely music and a calm and peaceful narrator.
Tops my list for children and grown ups of all ages.
A Classic October 12, 2008
Not only is this book fun for young hands, as it's perfectly sized and sturdy, it is also educational. Neither the young boy I got this for or his older brother would put this down for days. It went in the car, to nursery and even to bed
Yum! September 16, 2008
An infamous short tale of the caterpillar that munches its way through the edible obstacles on each page, until it becomes a butterfly. Arguably the most famous of the Eric Carle short stories, The Hungry Caterpillar symbolises the journeys things take in the world in order to accomplish something great. Themes in this book include the virtue of patience and the fact that things can sometimes take a surprising turn.
`The Hungry Caterpillar' shows all the great hallmarks of a young children's book, in that it easily lends itself to the curriculum and is as simple as it is equally open to in-depth interpretation. Possibilities of further learning include additional studies of phonics, links with food technology (fruits and their properties) and Art lessons, which could include the replication of the story by building giant cardboard fruits and a willing pupil dressing up as the wriggly main character!
Thanks to its content, messages and style, this book is useful for readers from Reception to low attainment Year 2.
A true classic! September 14, 2008
I was so happy when a friend gave me this when my now 13 month old was born, it reminded me so much of my childhood. I was even happier once he was big enough to start turning it's pages and poking his fingers in the holes and listening intently (well, not always!!) as I counted each different bit of food. He plays with it all the time and it is so hardwearing and virtually indestructible (unlike some other books I have purchsed!).
It's so amazing that a book I adored as a child, which I then read to my younger sister (well, more knowing it off by heart as I couldn't even read then!!) is now being adored by my son.
It's wonderful to know that there are still some sacred things left that haven't been replaced by a flashier, more plasticky version.
This is a definite must-buy for all little kids (and big kids too!).
Keeps them occupied August 15, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a great little book. It keeps my daughter occupied for hours on end. Just a quick flick through it is enough to convince any adult that a small child will like it. Simplistic, enjoyable and charming. And actually quite funny.
Well recommended for very small kids.
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