A classic work of children’s literature, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, first published in 1969, is beloved by children, parents, and teachers alike. The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Storytelling Set allows educators to bring the picture book to life with colourful props and a puppet. The set’s caterpillar puppet transforms easily, from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly. The props feature the snacks the caterpillar famously munches his way through, ranging from an apple to a cupcake. Additionally, the storytelling set contains a green felt board for displaying the props while reading aloud. The 17-piece set is surface-washable and appropriate for children aged two and up.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Storytelling Set can be used with primary and kindergarten students across diverse curriculum areas. The story could be used to teach kindergarten students about the days of the week, as the caterpillar eats his way from Sunday to Saturday. The caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly lends itself to science curriculum connections, helping students understand animal life cycles. Teachers and teacher candidates wanting to have students create art inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Eric Carle might be interested in tutorials created by Eric Carle himself, such as “How I create my pictures” and “How I paint my tissue papers”.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an internationally beloved story and the OISE Library has editions of the picture book in a variety of languages. Our Children’s Literature collection features a French translation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, or rather La chenille qui fait des trous. Additionally, the library has an array of dual-language editions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in Spanish, Chinese, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Somali.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Storytelling Set is currently on display on the ground floor of the OISE Library next to the service desk. Stop by and experience Eric Carle’s classic story in a whole new way.
