Book Review : The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I have bought "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" story book in the last week for Medha. Here is my review on this book. 

Title : The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author : Eric Carle

Publisher : Puffin Bks

Story?

The story is a simple one that emphasizes NUMBERS and DAYS of WEEK. 

As the newborn caterpillar snacks through the pages (leaving behind a hole to stick a little finger through), as he eats his way through a variety of foods, beginning with one apple on Monday and two pears on Tuesday and ending with Five Oranges on Friday and 10 different foods on Saturday (Chocolate, Ice Cream, Pickle, Swiss Cheese, Lollipop, Cherry pie, Cupcake and watermelon etc.)

Not surprisingly, the caterpillar ends up with a stomach ache. Serving of one green leaf helps. The now very fat caterpillar builds a cocoon. After staying in it for two weeks, he nibbles a hole in the cocoon and emerges a beautiful colorful butterfly.

What young children will learn?

• Days of week
• Numbers from 1 to 5
• Different type of Fruits and Snacks/Food items and 
• The metamorphosis/life cycle of an egg -> larva (Caterpillar) -> pupa (cocoon) -> butterfly
• Another useful part is Stomachache the caterpillar gets after eating too many snacks on Saturday 

Medha liked it ? 

Initially, medha wasn't interested in reading this book until I asked 

"Where's the caterpillar??"

Then started an eagerness to trace the caterpillar's path from page to page. After reading each page, I'll
ask some questions like

"Where's the caterpillar?? Show mamma"

"What is it eating now?" 

She loves the Saturday page with all the colorful foods, junk food found in American culture : Lollipop, Chocolate Cake etc. 

I've taken it as an opportunity to teach her about good food and bad food and nutrition, emphasizing that these are snacks to be eaten once in a while!! And also what happens if you indulge in too many snacks.

My Rating

4/5