the-very-hungry-caterpillar

Eric Carle, known for his brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books, has created a timeless classic that is beloved by millions of children worldwide. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" brims with educational features, making it a perfect book for young readers. As children watch the little caterpillar munch through tasty foods, they practice counting and explore colors and objects while naming the days of the week. This paperback edition is full of peepholes for little fingers to explore, complete with Eric Carle's glowing collage illustrations. The book ends with a magnificent surprise that delights readers of all ages.

Eric Carle was born of German parents and was always drawn to America after his family moved to Stuttgart when he was six. His childhood years in Germany were traumatic, but as an adult, he made "books for the child in me, books I had longed for." His style is characterized by an explosive use of color, which can be traced back to his art teacher's hidden collection of banned "degenerate" art during World War II.

Carle studied graphic art at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Stuttgart before returning to New York in 1952. He built a successful career in advertising but decided to give it up in the mid-1960s to become an illustrator and graphic designer. His first published work appeared in a cookery book, and soon after, children's book author Bill Martin asked him to illustrate the manuscript of "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" The resulting book was an instant hit, encouraging Carle to submit ideas for his own books. One of these was "Willie The Worm," but his editor suggested that a caterpillar might prove a more endearing character. The rest is history.

Eric Carle's work remains an important influence on artists and illustrators at work today, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of readers with his timeless classic "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."