9 Books to Share with Kids Who Love The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Bread and Jam for Frances, by Russell Hoban and Lillian Hoban
One of the most mouthwatering things about The Very Hungry Caterpillar is its irresistible grocery list of foods (i.e.: “one piece of chocolate cake, one ice cream cone, one pickle, one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of salami, one lollipop, one piece of cherry pie, one sausage, one cupcake, and one slice of watermelon”). Another classic that presents a delightful literary picnic basket is Bread and Jam for Frances. Just take note of her grand finale lunch, which consists of: a thermos bottle of tomato soup, a lobster-salad sandwich on thin slices of white bread, celery, carrot sticks, black olives, a little cardboard shaker of salt for the celery, two plums, a tiny basket of cherries, and vanilla pudding with chocolate sprinkles. Foodies young and old, rejoice!

 A Rainbow of My Own, by Don Freeman
All of Eric Carle’s books feature all the colors of the rainbow, so fans of Roy G. Biv might also enjoy Don Freeman’s A Rainbow of My Own. It’s the sweet story of a young boy who chases a real rainbow in vain, only to return home to find a rainbow on his bedroom wall reflecting from his goldfish bowl. A lovely book that serves as a metaphor for both chasing dreams and staying hopeful, this one serves up a palette as bright as Carle’s.

Frederick, by Leo Lionni
The collage-style illustrations of The Very Hungry Caterpillar are timeless, accessible art for youngsters. That said, they are sure to equally connect with Leo Lionni’s Frederick. The story of a creative mouse who warms his fellow mice throughout the winter by telling vivid stories, Frederick also features charming collage that gives this Caldecott Honor Book a tactile feel. 

Where Butterflies Grow, by Joanne Ryder and Lynne Cherry
Where Butterflies Grow is a gloriously watercolored non-fiction book that explains the life cycle of the butterfly in a vivid way that’s both factual and flowery. This selection is a great follow up to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, especially for science-minded kids who aren’t done learning about how caterpillars go from earth to air. 

The Little Fur Family, by Margaret Wise Brown and Garth Williams
Lovers of fuzzy things (like caterpillars or fur children) might want to take things up a notch after Eric Carle’s classic and read The Little Fur Family by Margaret Wise Brown. Printed in several different cuddly versions (the first 1946 run was actually wrapped in real rabbit fur!), each edition features touchy-feely fur in some way. Not only a delightful story about a little fur child’s day in the woods, it’s also a lovable, huggable bedtime book that you can sleep with…or on.

The Carrot Seed, by Ruth Krauss and Crockett Johnson
At its essence, The Very Hungry Caterpillar tells the simple story of a caterpillar’s evolution from egg to butterfly. Likewise, The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss also tells a straightforward tale of one little carrot seed and one little optimistic boy. Both books are ideal for teaching the magic of metamorphosis in a way that’s basic, without minimizing the wonder of nature. 

Madeline, by Ludwig Bemelmans
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is more than famished. He’s courageous and pint-sized. And if you’re looking for another story about a small, intrepid spitfire, look no further than Madeline. This classic about a tiger-taunting, appendicitis-suffering, Parisian schoolgirl is sure to be right up your Champs-Elysées.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, by William Steig
Kids like surprise endings, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar presents very young ones with an unexpected resolution. When and if they’re ready for an even bigger bang, try out Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. The story of a young donkey who accidentally turns himself into a boulder for an entire year, this Caldecott winner may just hold the record for best children’s book ending ever. (Sorry, butterflies.)

Best Lowly Worm Book Ever, by Richard Scarry
Worm lovers! Believe it or not, there’s more to be unearthed out in the literary world for you! If you didn’t get your creepy-crawly fix reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, then give Best Lowly Worm Book Ever a try. A collection of stories all about our favorite one-sneakered earthworm, this anthology is sure to give you all the dirt you ever wanted on Lowly. 
What are your favorite The Very Hungry Caterpillar-inspired books?