At http://trevorcairney.blogspot.com/2009/03/very-hungry-caterpillar-turns-40.html you can find out why the book ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ is doing so well after 40 years!
Dr Trevor Cairney describes the kind of storybook that young children like and gives some excellent examples of the genre. He also talks about how this favorite kids book is being reincarnated in a variety of ways.
There are some books that stand the test of time. I remember using “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” practically everyday in my classroom and that book, along with Dr Seuss’s “Cat in the Hat” have helped many young children learn to read. Children loved the repetitive nature of the story and of the words and could quickly learn to chant the story and then match the words to their chanting.
So, while knowing that one of my favorite children’s books is 40 years old makes me feel less than youthful, I am grateful for the way it has helped children learn to read. Well done Eric Carle!
