The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Touch and Feel Animals
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
This interactive board book features Eric Carle's colorful artwork and invites young readers to explore the world of animals using their sense of touch. With various textures to feel on every page, children follow the journey of The Very Hungry Caterpillar as he encounters animals from different environments such as the rainforest, farmyard, and seaside. The book includes touch-and-feel elements and introduces first concepts like wild words, animal actions, and noisy farmyard sounds, making it a richly satisfying experience for babies and toddlers. Perfect for shared reading and encouraging interactive play, this board book also recommends other titles in The Very Hungry Caterpillar series for further exploration.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Discussion points
How do you think the caterpillar feels as it meets different animals? Can you describe its emotions?
Which animal was your favorite and why?
How do the textures of each animal's skin or fur feel different to you?
Can you think of other animals that might feel similar or different? What would they be like?
Why is it important for the caterpillar to explore and meet other animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to physically interact with the book by touching the different textured pages and describing how they feel.
Use expressive facial expressions and voice modulation to mimic the emotions of the caterpillar and the animals it encounters, which can make the reading experience more immersive and fun for your child.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite animal from the story and explain why they chose that particular one, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
Connect the story to real-life experiences by discussing any similar encounters your child has had with animals, which enhances their personal connection to the story's themes.
Point out the colors, textures, and sizes of the animals in the book, asking your child to compare them with each other, which helps develop their observational and analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Exploration through senses
Explanation: The book involves various textures that children can touch and feel, enhancing their sensory development.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to explore and understand their environment through tactile experiences, leading to better cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Understanding growth and change
Explanation: As the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, the book teaches about stages of growth and metamorphosis in a simple, comprehensible way.
Real-World Application: This can help children grasp the concept of change and growth in themselves and in nature, fostering a sense of curiosity and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Learning animal names and characteristics
Explanation: The book introduces various animals with their unique traits, helping children learn about animal diversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to recognize and appreciate differences in the animal kingdom, promoting a foundation for biological knowledge and empathy towards animals.
Example Lesson: Patience and anticipation
Explanation: Children anticipate the outcome of the caterpillar's journey, building suspense and teaching patience.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the virtue of patience and the excitement of awaiting outcomes, which are applicable in daily activities and learning processes.