Some people can name the book that changed their way of thinking, the way they look at their world, without batting an eyelid. The answer springs quickly to mind and rolls off their tongue without hesitation. They sound erudite and sophisticated, having discovered some truth that resonates with them from between the pages of a well-thumbed edition. We’ve all had that experience, right? Haven’t we?
Cheated
I felt a little cheated when I couldn’t think of one. There must be one book that stood out from the rest? Sure, there have been plenty of books that I have fallen in love with and re-read many times, but I couldn’t honestly say that one had changed my outlook. Was there nothing that had given me a new perspective? Then it struck me, and I may well surprise you: the book I thought of was The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.
A family favourite
Published in 1969, I encountered the book when I was teaching and fell in love with its simplicity, it’s deeper meaning (one can read into it an entire spiritual journey) and the beautiful images. I bought the book in every size it was printed in – small to large, and much later, as the 50 year special edition. I enjoyed sharing the story with my two girls as bed time reading. They too, fell in love with the story.
Fall from grace
Not all libraries or educational bodies have treated the little caterpillar favorably. Despite its claim to fame, in 2023 it was actually banned from a school district near Toronto, Canada, (along with any book published before 2008). Along with many other classics, it was removed because it was not “inclusive” and “equitable”. Jacobs quips: ‘apparently no one identifies as caterpillar.’
Love affair
It’s been a lifelong love affair with this little caterpillar, bringing joy to three generations of readers: those in my household and those in the homes of my two daughters. I passed my books on. For two grandsons, one now in his mid twenties and the other now 5 years old, it became their snugly bedtime companion.
My youngest grandson loves to predict the text and impatiently reads ahead of me. He brushes me aside in his eagerness to track the caterpillar’s journey through the holes in the pages.
I absolutely love reading him that story as all the magic comes flooding back. That little creature, (the caterpillar I mean), still brings a smile to my face and will always have a special place in my heart.
Children enjoying literature is important to me. They learn to appreciate the written word, to relate to images, and to make sense of the world.
Teacher, Teacher what do you read?
Discovering the beauty of his style, I sought out other Eric Carle stories. In my days as a pre-primary school teacher, I wrote programs around the stories and enjoyed sharing books such as Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? This was actually a collaborative publication with Bill Martin Jnr, and was published in 1967, two years before The Very Hungry Caterpillar published in 1967. One other book, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? was another favourite of mine. In truth, I considered many of his books were suited to reading and exploring in the classroom. This is confirmed in the awards he won for his service to literature. Read more about Eric Carle here.
Sewing “Caterpillow” Cousins
For a while I took to making Caterpillar pillows. Popular as they were, I chose to keep them to limit their production. The time taken to create the very hungry caterpillar’s cousins, was considerable.
Books that changed you
Quite simply, and in more ways than one, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has helped shaped the way I view some books. Simplicity, beautiful imagery and a happy ending are some of the keys. Most of all, I enjoy indulging in real life fairy tales and this one is a ‘happily ever after.’
Rediscovering “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” with my youngest grandson reminds me of the importance of reading to and with children. There is no substitute for the pleasure it brings in shared moments. I know that literature and overflowing bookcases are an irreplaceable part of my life. Do they play a part in yours?
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Love your take on The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eileen Susan. I have maybe a dozen books that changed my thinking in very radical ways. But the one I can say absolutely changed my life was Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way which I first read ‘accidentally ‘ in 2000. I still write morning pages and go on Artist’s Dates.
Thank you, Maureen. The Artist’s Way is a book I must revisit.
I used to read a lot, mainly Sci-fi so I couldn’t name any that made a difference to the way I see the world. Perhaps if I changed the genre then maybe I could find 1 that grabs me.🤔😊
Interesting point of view, Steve.
Sci-fi is, to me, a genre if escapism. Yet, in that, from the very little I’ve read and discussed, that in itself can be seen as a comment/commentary on the real world, and how an alternate world might serve us.
And, yes, in saying that, it’s not really ‘life changing’; it’s merely insightful.