Happy Birthday from The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The World of Eric Carle Series
on Goodreads (200)
What’s inside...
The Very Hungry Caterpillar celebrates your birthday, with a festive hat, a party blowout and a slice of cake. A delightful book that helps make birthday celebrations extra special. Say 'Happy Birthday!' with this New York Times best seller, a gorgeous little gift book from The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a celebration of everyone's special day. This beautiful book features Eric Carle's bright, colorful artwork of birthday surprises--from presents to balloons, and of course, cake--with The Very Hungry Caterpillar making an appearance alongside each one. This book is the perfect birthday gift for readers young and old.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Discussion points
What do you think makes a birthday special? How does the caterpillar celebrate its birthday?
How do you think the caterpillar feels when it’s his birthday? Can you think of a time you felt the same way?
What gifts would you give to the Very Hungry Caterpillar on his birthday?
What are your favorite parts of a birthday celebration? How do they compare to the caterpillar’s celebration?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about birthdays by relating to personal experiences, which can help them connect deeper with the story.
While discussing the book, ask your child to imagine what it would be like to be the caterpillar, fostering empathy and understanding.
Use the illustrations in the book to engage your child, asking them to describe the colors, shapes, and activities, enhancing their observation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Celebration of Growth and Milestones
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of celebrating personal milestones and achievements through the birthday theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate their own growth and milestones, as well as those of others, fostering a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
Example Lesson: Expression of Love and Affection
Explanation: The book uses the birthday celebration to convey feelings of love and care from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, teaching the value of expressing fondness toward others.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice expressing their feelings of love and affection towards family and friends, enhancing their emotional development and social skills.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Pleasures
Explanation: The caterpillar finds joy in the simple act of offering birthday wishes, emphasizing happiness in simple gestures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to find joy in small, everyday activities and interactions, promoting a positive outlook on life.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: The narrative encourages sharing joyful moments with others, portrayed through the caterpillar’s eagerness to share in the birthday celebration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing happiness and being generous with their time and emotional support with others.