The Very Hungry Caterpillar turns 40

March 19, 4:10 PMSeattle Children's Literature ExaminerLaurie Mayhew

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Friday is not only the first day of spring, it is the 40th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. It is hard to believe that this ravenous little critter has been chomping his way through pages for so long, but it is true.

Some of us grew up reading books by Eric Carle ourselves, but almost all of us have read a fair number to our children. There is such a vast number and variety of them and the vibrant colors appeal to the very young listener. While his innovative and distinctive art makes his books instantly recognizable, it is his characters that have made these books endure.

In celebration of 40 years of chomping, a new pop-up version of this classic has just been released. It is big and bold like the original but with intriguing new pop-ups. If you are a Carle fan, a pop-up fan, or a Very Hungry Caterpillar fan, this is worth checking out.

Barnes and Noble has a nice page on their website with lists of Eric Carle books and a video interview with the author in which he lists his ten favorite books.

Amazon also has a video interview that gives a behind-the-scenes look of the making of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It was interesting to see how he makes his collages and his enthusiasm is evident. Older children might enjoy the under three minute video just to see how simple art can be.

Around Washington, many Borders bookstores will be holding a 40th Anniversary Celebration on
March 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. They will have a special storytime and art and reading activities for kids ages 3-9.

Click here to find the Borders nearest you.

If you go online to http://www.bordersmedia.com/visitborders/ you can print a 20% off coupon to use in the store.