Thank You, Teacher

by Eric Carle

First published 2021

A small caterpillar emerges from its egg on Sunday morning, ravenous and ready to eat. The tiny creature starts with one apple on Monday, then devours two pears on Tuesday. Each passing day brings new foods and growing hunger. The caterpillar consumes plums, strawberries, and oranges throughout the week. By Saturday, it has eaten cake, ice cream, pickles, cheese, and salami. The feast leaves the caterpillar with a painful stomachache. Sunday arrives, and the creature eats just one green leaf, which soothes its discomfort. Now big and fat from all the eating, the caterpillar wraps itself in a cocoon. Two weeks pass in darkness and stillness. When the caterpillar finally breaks free, it has transformed completely. Beautiful, colorful wings have replaced its chunky body. The butterfly spreads its large wings and takes flight.

Genres: animals, picture-books, food, childrens

Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical

Tropes: coming-of-age, transformation

32 pages · Hardcover · World of Eric Carle

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