An endearing motif of a book, to educate and amuse any young child.
Plot
As the very hungry caterpillar munches its way through the week (leaving holes behind in the page to wiggle your finger through), it begins to grow bigger and fatter from apples, swiss cheese, oranges, cherry pies and salami slices!
The caterpillar, although having to deal with a stomachache, ultimately flourishes into something even more beautiful and colorful...a butterfly!
Morality
There are nor real affirmations of morality or immorality - the book is more of a learning source: the snacks that he devours are numbered (to help with counting), and the caterpillar's humorous gluttony is counteracted with a poor stomach, showing greediness to ultimately not be as fun as it might seem.
Spiritual Content
None.
Violence
None.
Drug and Alcohol Content
None.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
Carle has used mixed media to create the most resplendent illustrations, compiled from collage and gaps in the pages to be explored by any inquisitive, pre-school child. The book is something of a keepsake for many children, and, as well as being a useful tool for learning to count, it gives simple insight into why the caterpillar has to eat such ample portions!
This review is brought to you by Bethany.
