Why is this book so fantastic! Why should every child own a copy. . . ? (as suggested by the Daily Telegraphy on the back of the book.) Because even though it is a very short and simple read, there are so many learning/teaching moments within the simple yet effectively illustrated book. (There you go, three reasons in one sentence!)
Teach about the life cycle of the caterpillar/butterfly... which in itself is one of the most magical and amazing life cycles to witness. With this story the youngest reader can begin to make sense of, and understand the process that takes place.
Learn about the days of the week... practice counting and number names... talk about different fruit and food that the caterpillar might eat... need I say more.
Well, I will say just a little more. I have used this book as the focus of many activities with children I have worked with in early childhood settings. Some ideas for you...
* Make your own Hungry caterpillar pieces that your child could use to tell the story themselves. Draw, cut, laminate and if you have a magnetic board or the fridge, put magnetic pieces on the back so they can display the story as they tell it.
* Do a Hungry Caterpillar Picnic. Find each of the items of food and as you read the story have your child pretend they are the caterpillar eating through the different items of food. (You may not actually eat 5 oranges, but 5 orange pieces.)
* Encourage your child to use their imagination and act out the story as you read it to them.
Happy Reading!
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