

On an early Sunday morning, "a tiny and very hungry caterpillar" hatches from his egg. Carle's original work has been the basis for various tie-in products. The book includes counting, days of the week, food, and a butterfly’s life cycle, which contribute to juvenile education. The book has been lauded as "one of the greatest childhood classics of all time." Its 'eaten' holes and collage artwork were innovative for its time. It has sold upwards of 50 million copies worldwide, selling roughly a copy per thirty seconds since its publication.

It has won many children's literature awards and major graphic design awards. The book features a very hungry caterpillar that eats a variety of foods before pupating and emerging as a butterfly. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a 1969 children's picture book designed, illustrated, and written by Eric Carle.
