The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Perhaps our #1 recommendation.  This classic by Eric Carle belongs in every child’s library in our opinion.  Among the first books that one should get for very young children, there are two board books available.  A standard size 7+ inch board book, and another larger hard cover version.  A story of birth and growth, change, and eventual metamorphosis, this book delights the reader, both child and adult alike, with wonderful and vividly colorful images.  The story takes us on a wonderful little journey of a caterpillar with a very large appetite. The art is wonderfully done, and kids can begin learning counting and food identification at the same time.

Setting/plot:

This book takes us into the different stages of a butterfly’s life from birth as an egg and into a young butterfly.  The caterpillar stage however encompasses the bulk of the story and we go on a food adventure as the caterpillar helps young children identify and count different kinds of food.  The artwork is beautifully done and this book is a masterpiece.  We read this book to both our girl and boy as babies, infants, and toddlers, they have absolutely loved it.  It can start them on their journey of reading.