Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Turns 50! Here’s What the Author Had to Say

It's been half a century for this cute little caterpillar.

By Erica Loop June 13, 2019

Your kiddo’s fave bedtime read is about to turn half a century old! Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary—and here’s what the iconic author had to say about it.

In celebration of the big 5-0, Carle talked children’s lit in a video from earlier this year. So what (or rather who) does Carle credit for this book’s success? The author explained, “I think the children are the ones who’ve kept it in the market for 50 years.”

Carle also added, “I think it is a book of hope.” The children’s author went on to say, “Children need hope. You, little insignificant caterpillar, can grow up into a beautiful butterfly and fly into the world with your talent. Will I ever be able to do that? Yes, you will. I think that is the appeal of that book.”

The author and artist isn’t the only one who’s celebrating his book’s major milestone. Plenty of kids’ lit lovers took to social media, cheering for the caterpillar. One mama showed off a caterpillar-themed quilt she made for her kiddo.

And plenty of libraries and children’s/early literacy organizations took to Twitter, wishing the book a very happy birthday!

Happy 50th birthday to "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"! Thanks to author, Eric Carle, for publishing such an inspirational book of hope that pushes toddlers into the 🌎 of reading #veryhungrycaterpillar #childrensbooks #lwb #librarieswithoutborders #toddlers pic.twitter.com/9Xnfud5Pk2
— Libraries Without Borders US (@LWB_USA) June 12, 2019