The Very Hungry Caterpillar is 45!

Few books create a memory that last a lifetime, those books that do never leave us! The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a book that for many has made it to the top of the unforgettable list.

I remember sitting in a neat little circle as my kindergarten teacher read the book aloud to our class. We all chimed it to help her read after the first few pages, and we waited anxiously to see what would happen to the little caterpillar who ate too much! I went home and "read" the book to my little sister that night, and then I read it to my baby dolls and stuffed animals, I read it to my parents, and anyone who would let me read it to them. It struck me then, and it continues to be a favorite in my classroom!

My students have enjoyed the book so much over the years! I always give it a big introduction and tell them it was one of my favorites when I was a kid. I watch as they pick up the book later and "read" it to their selves or their friends. I let them borrow one of many copies from the classroom library because I imagine the same excitement that I felt when I was 6 is what they are feeling. I can just see them reading to their little sisters, brothers, parents, and stuffed animals.

This month the Very Hungry Caterpillar is celebrating it's 45th anniversary. The anniversary will be officially celebrated on the annual “Very Hungry Caterpillar Day” which takes place every year on the first day of spring (March 20^th).

Since its publication in 1969, 36 million copies of the book have sold worldwide and it has been published in 55 languages. That year the book was also named one of the best children’s books of the year by The New York Times, and it has since become a beloved, must-own classic. Today, every 30 seconds, somewhere in the world, a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is sold. 

Eric Carle (www.eric-carle.com) is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. He has illustrated more than seventy books, many best sellers, and more than 100 million copies of his books have sold around the world. In 2002, Eric and his wife Barbara opened The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (www.carlemuseum.org) in Amherst, MA, a 40,000 square foot space dedicated to inspiring a love of art among children by introducing them to picture book art by renowned artists from around the world.

You can read more about this milestone and download some freebies at this official website!

One lucky reader will win a fabulous prize pack to help celebrate this very special anniversary! This limited edition tote and board-book copy of  The Very Hungry Caterpillar can be yours! AND if you win, you get an extra set to give to a friend!

Enter using the rafflecopter below. 

A winner will be chosen on Saturday March 1st! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, thanks for reading!