A Preschool Teacher's Review of Eric Carle, Children's Author of Very Hungry Caterpillar

I was first introduced to the books of Eric Carle at the age of twenty-seven. I was attending a Ready To Learn Early Literacy Workshop for some to the training hours that the State of Ohio requires me to have as a certified child care provider. As Eric Carle is a children's author, I did not expect to enjoy the book, but I did.

The First Eric Carle book that I read was "The Very Busy Spider" (1984). I wasn't too impressed with the book at that time. Yes, the story was cute and I liked that the book provided a tactile experience of the fly, spider and her web. The pictures were very simple and not at all realistic. However, I took my free book and put it to use the very next day. My classroom of three year olds were enthralled! The story of the very busy spider was easily understood by the children and the repetitive lines of "…the spider didn't answer. She was very busy ..." soon echoed through my classroom. I made a trip to the library that very day.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is the first book written and illustrated by Eric Carle (1969). It tells the story of a caterpillar who eats more and more each day until he eats so much that his greediness causes a stomach ache. At the end of the story the caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly. This book has holes in all of the food and shows how much the caterpillar has eaten through, making it a great book for counting.

A great lesson in manners and my favorite Eric Carle book is "The Grouchy Ladybug" (1977). This book follows the ladybug through her day as she challenges bigger and bigger competitors to a fight. On each page the sun moves and there is a clock displayed in the corner, helping to emphasize the concept of time. At the book's end, our friend the ladybug has come to the realization that not only is it better to be nice, but much simpler!

"The Very Quiet Cricket" (1990) is another interactive story. A tale of a cricket who finally finds his own voice, this book is moving and inspiring. There is the sound of the cricket's voice at the end of this book.

"A House For Hermit Crab" (1987) teaches us all about life's changes and the importance of friends. The hermit crab learns that newer isn't always better, and to hang onto your "old" friends.

"The Mixed Up Chameleon" (1988) is a book that tells of a chameleon who visits a zoo and envies the other zoo animals for their special attributes. The chameleon tries to emulate the other animals and ends up very mixed up. This story helps children to realize that while we all have something special about us, we should be true to ourselves.

"Mr. Seahorse" (2004) is the ultimate tribute to dads. The story shows different types of sea animal fathers and how they raise their children. It is a heart warming story proving the importance of fathers.

"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly Said The Sloth" (2002) reminds up to slow down and not to rush through life.

Eric Carle has many more books then the few mentioned here. I only touched on ones that I rfrequently use and that Eric Carle both authored and illustrated.

Other books to consider:

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See?" and "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" Written by Bill Martin Jr. and Illustrated by Eric Carle

"1,2,3 To The Zoo" By Eric Carle

"From Head To Toe" By Eric Carle

"Hello, Red Fox" By Eric Carle