Books

New York and Cleveland: The World Publishing Company, 1969. First Edition. Hardcover. Good. First edition, first printing with number line reading 1-5 on copyright page, and A3450 code on rear. Good, lacking the dust jacket. Cloth shows soiling, owner name in ink and several small stray marks to front cover, surface scratches, fraying to corners and top edge near spine. Vintage bookseller ticket to front free end paper, edge tear to dedication page. Pages thumbed and rubbed. Binding a bit slack, with stitching exposed at several hinges. First edition.

"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.

The first edition of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' published by The World Publishing Company has specific identifiers that include the full-page, vibrant illustrations being hand-painted and collaged. The first edition has A3450 on the rear board. Additionally, early editions mention the copyright date of 1969 with no later printings indicated, and the original price of $1.95 on the dust jacket if the hardcover edition.