Happy 45th Anniversary to the Very Hungry Caterpillar!

When I think of some the classic books that every child must read, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one that is at the top of my list!

Eric Carle’s book was published in1969 and became an instant classic.  It still stands strong today as a book that must get into the hands of children worldwide—which is totally possible since it has been published in 55 languages!

I remember having The Very Hungry Caterpillar read to me when I was little bitty.  I was drawn to the beautiful colors of the growing caterpillar and his meal of tasty foods.  I was proud of the day when I could read it independently and could share it with my little sister. 

This was the first book that I worked with when I got my first position as a kindergarten para-pro.  A new generation of children still loved the book and the tale of the little caterpillar.  I remember the children’s excitement as we created art projects of pizza and hot dogs and strawberries and ice cream based on the art in the book.

As teachers, we enjoy how it can be used across the school day.  Of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a perfect text to use when teaching young readers to sequence, predict, and use a variety of their reading skills.  The students enjoy the science connections as the caterpillar ate and grew and changed.  Teachers use the book for writing, math, and health lessons.  You can do all of these things, and the book keeps the children engaged for all of them. 

Not every book has so many fans for generations around the world.  For this we need to celebrate the books 45 years of helping our children to grow to love learning. 

What is the best way to celebrate???  The anniversary will be officially celebrated on the annual Very Hungry Caterpillar Day, which takes place every year on the first day of spring (March 20).  On this day, how about sharing this wonderful tale with a friend???  Go to the official website for resources like videos, activity sheets, and computer “stuff” to help you celebrate in your classroom or with little ones at home.  Or, to make it easier, Penguin Kids and Eric Carle have given me a Very Hungry Caterpillar Day prize pack to giveaway to one lucky winner…Whoo hoo! 

 

 

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below to win two limited edition anniversary totes and two copies of The Very Hungry Caterpillar board book...that is one prize to keep and one to share with a friend!  I am giving you lots of options to enter, so you will earn more chances to win!  Prizes courtesy of Penguin.  Giveaway open to US mailing addresses only!

Good luck to all who enter!  Don’t forget to share with a friend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway