Picture books · Children's
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Bestseller: about 43 million copies (estimate)A tiny caterpillar eats through a growing pile of food over the days of a week, then spins a cocoon and emerges as a butterfly. The pages have holes where he has nibbled and colorful collage illustrations.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1927
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 33
- Format
- Part of Eric Carle's Very Series
Read this if you are reading with a toddler who likes counting, days of the week and bright pictures.
Skip this if you want a story with dialogue, characters and plot twists for older children.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Quick answers about The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- What is The Very Hungry Caterpillar about?
- A tiny caterpillar eats through a growing pile of food over the days of a week, then spins a cocoon and emerges as a butterfly. The pages have holes where he has nibbled and colorful collage illustrations.
- Who should read The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
- Read it if you are reading with a toddler who likes counting, days of the week and bright pictures. Skip it if you want a story with dialogue, characters and plot twists for older children.
- How long and how fast is The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 33 pages, first published in 1927.
- Does The Very Hungry Caterpillar have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Very Hungry Caterpillar for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Very Hungry Caterpillar; the borrow button above searches it for you.
Your shelf
Saved in this browser only. Open my shelf
Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.
Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works
Share this pick
Picture books
