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In Times Past
an eBook on CD
by Carol Hurst and Rebecca Otis

Integrating US History with Literature in Grades 3-8.

Enliven your US History curriculum!

Teach US History using great kids books.

More Info

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Carle, Eric. (Philomel, 1969 ISBN 0-399-20853-4) Picture Book. 32 pages. Grades PreK+.
This book was reviewed by Carol Otis Hurst in Teaching K-8 Magazine.

Review

In this classic picture book, a caterpillar hatches, eats, spins a cocoon, and emerges as a butterfly. Cut-outs in the pages make this a three dimensional picture book involving the concept of counting as well as that of metamorphosis. Although the food eaten by the caterpillar is more human than insect fare, the unfolding of the butterfly adds drama to the tale for the very young.

Carle's technique of using layers of tissue paper which he sometimes paints or colors on in effect creates his own paper. This he then cuts out and pastes on white background. His images are childlike but complex. His technique of cutting holes in the paper of varying sizes which, in later books, is combined with folded pages, besides adding depth and interest to his pages extends our concept of the picture book as being a rectangular, predictable shape.

Related Areas of Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site

• Featured Author: Eric Carle
• One Monkey Too Many by Jackie Koller French. Book Review. Another counting book.
• Anno's Counting Book. Book Review. Counting Book.
• Anno's Counting House. Book Review. Counting Book.
• The Napping House. Featured Book. Counting Book.

Related Sites on the Internet

• Eric Carle's Web Site http://www.eric-carle.com/
• Amazon.com Bookstore's listing of Eric Carle's books.