The Very Hungry Caterpillar turned 50 in 2019, and Penguin Young Readers marked the milestone with three new books celebrating Eric Carle’s best-loved character. If your family has a well-worn copy of the original on the shelf, here’s what the anniversary collection added — and why the story still matters five decades on.
A definite favourite in so many households, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is the kind of book that gets read so many times parents end up knowing it by heart.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Is a Classic
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the most loved picture books of all time, having sold 50 million copies worldwide and been translated into 62 languages.
Since it was first published in 1969, Eric Carle illustrated more than seventy books, many of them bestsellers, most of which he also wrote. He and his wife Barbara established the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, which visitors can find in Amherst, Massachusetts. The museum showcases picture book illustration from across the globe and aims to inspire a love of art and reading in children and adults alike.
Eric Carle passed away in 2021, but his stories continue to introduce new generations of children to colour, counting, and the natural world.
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New Very Hungry Caterpillar Books for the Anniversary
To mark the 50th anniversary, Penguin published three new titles alongside the original:
- Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
- Eric Carle’s Book of Many Things
- Happy Birthday from the Very Hungry Caterpillar
These titles launched under a new imprint called “World of Eric Carle,” which brings together books emphasising creativity, discovery, and learning. All of Carle’s backlist titles were rebranded under this same imprint, making it easier for parents and gift-buyers to find his full body of work in one place.
Speaking at the time, Carle said: “I am delighted that Penguin Books for Young Readers is making a special home for The Very Hungry Caterpillar and my other books with the new World of Eric Carle imprint. I hope friends and readers will enjoy my books for many years to come.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Very Hungry Caterpillar first published?
It was first published in 1969, making 2019 its 50th anniversary year.
How many copies has The Very Hungry Caterpillar sold?
The book has sold around 50 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 62 languages.
What new books were released for the 50th anniversary?
Penguin published three additional titles: Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle’s Book of Many Things, and Happy Birthday from the Very Hungry Caterpillar.
What is the World of Eric Carle imprint?
It’s the publishing imprint launched for the anniversary that now brings together The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Eric Carle’s full backlist of picture books.
Where can I visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art?
It’s located in Amherst, Massachusetts, and showcases picture book illustration from around the world.
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