The Very Hungry Caterpillar: questions to ask and activities to try
One little caterpillar, a week of food and a very big change. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a gentle way to talk about growing up, and about change that takes time.
What age is it for? The Very Hungry Caterpillar is best for ages 2–5. Good for: Growing and changing, and waiting for something good.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
- Age
- 2-5
- Best for
- Growing and changing, and waiting for something good
Read it once for the holes and the counting. Next time, slow down at the cocoon page and ask what the caterpillar might be thinking while he waits. Young children find change easier when they know that some things take time.
Why I like this one
Most people remember this as a counting book, but I like it for the part at the end that's easy to skip: the caterpillar waits in his cocoon for a long time before anything good happens.
For younger children it's lovely to read just for the food and the holes in the pages. For slightly older ones, the waiting is the interesting bit. You might ask, “What's something you're waiting for?” and talk about what makes waiting easier.
Apoorva, Growing Wise
What it helps with
- Talking about growing and changing, and what stays the same
- Waiting for something good, when waiting feels long
- Noticing how our tummies feel after different foods
- Days of the week and counting, for the youngest readers
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How do you think the caterpillar felt after eating all that food on Saturday?”
- “Why did he feel better after eating one nice green leaf?”
- “What do you think it was like inside the cocoon?”
- “The caterpillar changed into a butterfly. How have you changed since you were a baby?”
- “What is something you are waiting for? What helps the waiting?”
- “Which food in the book would you choose, and which would you skip?”
5-minute activities to try together
Then and now
Find a baby photo of your child. Talk about three things they can do now that they couldn't do then, and one thing they're looking forward to learning.
A cocoon in a cup
Plant a bean or seed in a cup together. Check it each day and talk about how waiting feels, just like the caterpillar in his cocoon.
Free printables: The Very Hungry Caterpillar worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Koala Who Could (Rachel Bright and Jim Field)
- Best for
- Handling change and unfamiliar situations
- Age
- 3+
The Invisible String (Patrice Karst)
- Best for
- Being apart at drop-off, a sleepover or the start of school
- Age
- 4-7
Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss)
- Best for
- Trying new foods and new things before deciding you don't like them
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.