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The Very Hungry Caterpillar: miniature edition Hardcover – March 6, 1986

4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 76,554 ratings

This mini hardcover edition of Eric Carle's classic story begins one sunny Sunday, when the caterpillar was hatched out of a tiny egg. He was very hungry. On Monday, he ate through one apple; on Tuesday, he ate through three plums--and still he was hungry. Strikingly bold, colorful pictures and a simple text in large, clear type tell the story of a hungry little caterpillar's progress through an amazing variety and quantity of foods. Full at last, he made a cocoon around himself and went to sleep, to wake up a few weeks later wonderfully transformed into a butterfly!

Brilliantly innovative designer and artist Eric Carle has dramatized the story of one of Nature's commonest yet loveliest marvels, the metamorphosis of the butterfly, in a picture book to delight as well as instruct the very youngest reader or listener. Cleverly die-cut pages show what the caterpillar ate on successive days, graphically introducing sets of up to 10 objects and also the names of the days of the week in rotation, as well as telling the central story of the transformation of the caterpillar. The final, double-page picture of the butterfly is a joyous explosion of color, a vibrant affirmation of the wonder and beauty of Nature.

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
76,554 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and educational for young children. They appreciate its sturdy construction, vibrant colors, and clear illustrations. Many find it fun to read and look at. The story helps children learn counting, colors, and days of the week. Many customers consider it a good value and a great baby shower gift.

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979 customers mention "Book for kids"975 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy this book for young children. They find it an engaging and educational experience for young children. The realistic pictures capture kids' attention. Readers praise the book as creative, a must-have for young children, and a favorite of both adults and children. It is described as a treasure for classrooms and wonderful for generations to come.

"...A must-read for kids— it’s a classic!" Read more

"...It turned out to be a fun and engaging story to read to my baby...." Read more

"The kids love this book.. Also educational" Read more

"...This book has been a cornerstone of childhood for countless kids—and with good reason!..." Read more

609 customers mention "Sturdiness"540 positive69 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sturdiness. They find it well-constructed, with bright illustrations and nice quality. The hardcover book is durable for young readers and cleans up easily. It will not rip or tear, and it can withstand toddlers turning the pages.

"This book is a high quality book with vivid colors and great graphics. One of my grandsons favorites!" Read more

"Exactly what I ordered! I can tell the spine hasn't been broken even. Such a great purchase!" Read more

"...I don't know a child who wouldn't like this book. It came in good condition, and the illustrations are vibrant and the words are clearly printed." Read more

"Love the quality of this book. It was a favorite book of my own kids so I highly recommend it for gifts. The quality is very durable." Read more

299 customers mention "Color palette"293 positive6 negative

Customers like the vibrant colors and clear pictures. They also mention that the story is just how they remembered it.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a super fun and colorful book!..." Read more

"...His choice of bold, vibrant colors is just like eye-candy for the young ones. The tale itself is simple yet profound...." Read more

"This book is a high quality book with vivid colors and great graphics. One of my grandsons favorites!" Read more

"Durable board book, vibrant colors, no imperfections that I've noticed." Read more

262 customers mention "Fun to read"259 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy reading the book. They find the pictures bright and engaging, with fun holes for babies and kids to look at. The book is a favorite of both children and adults.

"...The pictures are bright and fun to look at, and the little holes in the pages make it extra cool...." Read more

"...But I’m so glad I gave it a chance! It turned out to be a fun and engaging story to read to my baby...." Read more

"...; it's an interactive, educational experience that both children and adults can enjoy together...." Read more

"...The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a book that most children will enjoy, and is a nice one to look at in the car, grocery shopping, or as a prep for a..." Read more

220 customers mention "Learning ability"220 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's educational value. They find it a fun way to teach counting, colors, days of the week, and science. The story offers a wealth of topics to explore and discuss, including biology and metamorphosis.

"...It’s a great book for counting, learning about days of the week, and seeing how a caterpillar changes. A must-read for kids— it’s a classic!" Read more

"...But despite its brevity, it offers a wealth of topics to explore and discuss, from biology and metamorphosis to making healthier food choices...." Read more

"...The full hard back book is bigger. Story helps with counting, food, and science. It is one of my favorite books for young children...." Read more

"...It's best for babies to pre-schoolers, though it was quite fine with a kindergarten class too...." Read more

188 customers mention "Value for money"143 positive45 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it a great story, though short.

"...book is a classic, the size of the book is convenient and the price is very reasonable for this book." Read more

"Classic Children's book. Good quality and great price. Shipped with no issues." Read more

"Classic book at a great price!" Read more

"...Micro? Smaller than a dollar bill? No, but those reviews I saw were from 2009 on the hard cover version which is more money...." Read more

178 customers mention "Illustrations"168 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the illustrations in the book. They find the images and colors appealing, capturing their imagination. The simple written language is easy for young readers to understand. The book has a plain white space for writing personal messages.

"This book is a high quality book with vivid colors and great graphics. One of my grandsons favorites!" Read more

"...It came in good condition, and the illustrations are vibrant and the words are clearly printed." Read more

"My daughter loves this book a lot. It has got great graphics throughout" Read more

"It’s a quality book in story, colours, illustration, and materials. Our little one, too young to read, has it memorized!" Read more

168 customers mention "Gift value"163 positive5 negative

Customers find the book a great gift for baby showers and primary teachers. They say it's an endearing and lasting present for children under one year old.

"This is such a great gift idea! I don't know a child who wouldn't like this book...." Read more

"...The board book is durable, as well. It's a perfect gift for a baby shower." Read more

"...Who might want such a big book? It's a great thing to donate to a primary teacher, I'd have loved it when my children were young, it might be a..." Read more

"...things about this book and feel it would make a great gift for all babies and young children. I highly recommend it!" Read more

Awesome!
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome!
Exactly what I ordered! I can tell the spine hasn't been broken even. Such a great purchase!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
    The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a super fun and colorful book! The story is about a little caterpillar who eats through all kinds of food until he grows into a beautiful butterfly. The pictures are bright and fun to look at, and the little holes in the pages make it extra cool. It’s a great book for counting, learning about days of the week, and seeing how a caterpillar changes. A must-read for kids— it’s a classic!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025
    I was hesitant to buy this at first because I didn’t really like the illustrations and wasn’t too keen on it being about an insect. But I’m so glad I gave it a chance! It turned out to be a fun and engaging story to read to my baby. It has interactive holes, days of the week, various fruits and foods, and a lovely story about a caterpillar growing—definitely a great pick!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2025
    The kids love this book.. Also educational
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2023
    The media could not be loaded.
    Where to even begin with Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"? This book has been a cornerstone of childhood for countless kids—and with good reason!

    First and foremost, the visual elements are stunning. Eric Carle’s unique collage technique brings the story to life in a way that instantly captures the attention of both young and older readers. His choice of bold, vibrant colors is just like eye-candy for the young ones.

    The tale itself is simple yet profound. A caterpillar eats its way through various foods, both healthy and not-so-healthy, growing bigger and ultimately transforming into a butterfly. On one level, it’s a delightful story about change and growth; on another, it subtly teaches children about the days of the week, counting, and nutrition.

    I appreciate how the book incorporates little "holes" in the pages to indicate where the caterpillar has munched through, adding a tactile element to the reading experience. My 5-year-old loves poking her fingers through the holes, making the story not just a visual but also a sensory delight!

    It’s also worth noting that the story is quick and to-the-point, making it perfect for bedtime or for little ones with shorter attention spans. But despite its brevity, it offers a wealth of topics to explore and discuss, from biology and metamorphosis to making healthier food choices.

    "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" isn't just a book; it's an interactive, educational experience that both children and adults can enjoy together. It is a tale that transcends time and remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published. If you haven't introduced your children to this story yet, you're missing out on a classic that’s as nourishing for the mind as it is a delight for the senses.
    28 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
    Eric Carle is one of the best writers for all ages.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025
    This book is a high quality book with vivid colors and great graphics.
    One of my grandsons favorites!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
    Exactly what I ordered! I can tell the spine hasn't been broken even. Such a great purchase!
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Awesome!

    Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
    Exactly what I ordered! I can tell the spine hasn't been broken even. Such a great purchase!
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2025
    Best toddler board book

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Shawna Lopez Romero
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cutest thing
    Reviewed in Canada on February 19, 2025
    My son is absolutely in love with this it came really well packaged. The book was a board book which is great for toddlers. The caterpillar stuffy is great quality and going strong. Highly recommend this for your hungry caterpillar lovers!!
  • Audrey D
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy lindo el cuento
    Reviewed in Mexico on October 7, 2024
    Robusto, en esta presentación de cartón. Mi nieta de 3 años le gustó mucho- y como la abuela, es un favorito que también había comprado para mis hijos hace más de 30 años.
  • Johnny Sins
    5.0 out of 5 stars je recommande
    Reviewed in France on February 18, 2025
    Un must have !
    Parfait pour les petits : une histoire agréable, un peu d'anglais (quelque phrases longues, un peu compliqué) de très jolies illustrations, et une double page de fin magnifique !
    je recommande
  • Lara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Libro entretenido
    Reviewed in Spain on October 28, 2024
    En casa nos ha gustado mucho
  • Ozgurbay
    5.0 out of 5 stars Çok iyi
    Reviewed in Turkey on October 24, 2024
    Çok hoşumuza gitti kitap, büyüklüğünü de sevdik