by Eric Carle
First published 2017
A small caterpillar emerges from his egg on Sunday with a ravenous hunger. He starts his feeding journey on Monday with a single apple, then moves to two pears on Tuesday. Each day brings larger portions as his appetite intensifies. The caterpillar works through plums, strawberries, and oranges by Saturday, yet his hunger persists. He finds a spread of sweets including cake, ice cream, and pie that leaves him feeling unwell. On Sunday, eating one green leaf restores his health. The caterpillar then constructs a cocoon around himself and rests for fourteen days. His emergence reveals a stunning transformation into a butterfly with vibrant, expansive wings. This beloved tale captures the wonder of growth and change through the simple journey of one small creature.
Genres: family, animals, picture-books
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
32 pages · Hardcover · World of Eric Carle