Books

New York: Philomel Books, 1994. Signed Limited 25th Anniversary Edition. Fine/Fine. Signed limited edition. One of 500 specially bound copies with an original crayon drawing by Eric Carle onlay to the front cover, signed by him as well; this one is labeled AP for Artist's Proof. Specially bound in silver boards with aforementioned original art onlay, housed in publisher's original lucite tray, in original white printed folding box. All contents fine, except cardboard bolding box which is Near Fine and lightly worn. According to Eric Carle's former creative director, there were only 100 AP sets specially produced for Eric and his wife to give away to their friends and family, and were not originally intended to be sold. A lavish production of this children's classic in which a caterpillar eats its way toward metamorphosis.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle is a beloved children's picture book that tells the story of a ravenous caterpillar's journey to transformation. The book begins with an egg laid on a leaf, which hatches into a tiny caterpillar that immediately displays an insatiable appetite. The caterpillar begins its culinary adventure by devouring various foods each day of the week, from apples on Monday to plums on Wednesday, through an assortment of colorful and appealing illustrations. However, the caterpillar still feels hungry. On Saturday, it indulges in a feast of different foods: cake, ice cream, pickle, cheese, salami, lollipop, pie, sausage, cupcake, and watermelon. Despite consuming an array of treats, the caterpillar still yearns for more. After the feast, the overindulged caterpillar experiences a stomach ache and decides to eat a green leaf on Sunday. Following this, it begins a transformative journey, building a cocoon around itself, symbolizing its entry into the pupa stage. After a period of rest and seclusion inside the cocoon, the caterpillar emerges as a beautiful butterfly, showcasing vibrant colors and delicate wings. The transformation from a simple, hungry caterpillar to a magnificent butterfly signifies growth, change, and the wonder of nature's life cycle. Carle's book captivates young readers with its engaging storyline, repetitive text, and vibrant collage-style illustrations. Beyond the delightful narrative, it also offers educational elements, teaching concepts such as counting, days of the week, basic food types, and the stages of a butterfly's life. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" remains a cherished classic in children's literature for its charming storytelling, interactive elements, and the universal themes of growth and transformation, making it a timeless favorite among readers of all ages.