12 Ideas To Celebrate "A Very Hungry Caterpillar" Day

Next Wednesday, March 20, is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Day, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Eric Carle's classic children's book. Not only does the book have gorgeous illustrations, made by Carle from tissue paper collages, but it also encompasses so many wonderful teaching themes: reading, the life cycle, days of the week, counting, healthy eating... we could on!

Whether you're a home-schooler, daycare worker, Kindergarten teacher or a parent who just wants to foster their kid's love of reading, these Very Hungry Caterpillar party ideas, activities and crafts are fun ways to celebrate one of our favorite children's book.

DECORATIONS

Here are two ways to use balloons to make a Very Hungry Caterpillar. See more decoration ideas from the original links here and here.

Pottery Barn Kids has a tutorial on making a Very Hungry Caterpillar Lantern here.

And here's an easy banner you can make out of construction paper. Use your students' class pictures if making it for a school decoration. Even without pictures, it's still a cute decoration. 

ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS

Download this Very Hungry Caterpillar color sheet from the Eric Carle website.

If you don't mind getting a little messy, this blog has a great idea for Hungry Caterpillar balloon paintings.

Or you can use the paints to color your Hungry Caterpillar plate puppet. Instructions are here.

Teach your kids a lesson about recycling and reusing by making your own caterpillar with found materials.

SNACKS

Here are a couple healthy (and creative) snack ideas. See the original links here and here.

And because no party is complete without something sweet, check out these Hungry Caterpillar cake pops. See a basic cake pop tutorial here.

HUNGRY CATERPILLAR ITEMS

Don't forget to shop our Eric Carl section for lots of fun Very Hungry Caterpillar toys!

Pull Toy, Soft Book, Apple Playset

So tell us: How do you plan on celebrating "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Day with your kids?