The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The children's book every family needs. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is one of the best-selling children's books of all time — and after reading it with my daughter more times than I can count, I know exactly why. A tiny caterpillar eats his way through a colorful feast, learning to count and name the days of the week, before transforming into a beautiful butterfly.

The iconic die-cut holes in the pages make it irresistible to little fingers, and Eric Carle's signature collage artwork is as stunning today as it was when the book was first published in 1969. This is our 5-star book at South Euclid — the one we'd put in every baby's first library without hesitation. Perfect from 6 months all the way through age 5, and one of the best first birthday gifts you can give.

Age range: 6 months–5 years
Format: Board book & hardcover
Great for: First libraries, counting and days of the week, first birthday gifts, baby showers, classic children's book collections