The Very Hungry Caterpillar

About this book

A tiny caterpillar eats its way through the days of the week — and a memorable spread of food — before spinning a cocoon and emerging as a butterfly. Eric Carle's collage classic teaches counting, days of the week, and metamorphosis, a cornerstone of pre-K and grades K-2 early literacy.

Why widely assigned

This Picture Book / Beginner Reader title, reads at early-reader complexity, typically at grades k–2. Written in the 1960s; pairs with curriculum units on nature and counting; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• Common Core State Standards (ELA)

  • recommended·Kindergarten gradesource: The First Academy — Kindergarten Read-Aloud & Early Readers Suggested Summer Reading
  • recommended·1st gradesource: CES Academy — Grade-by-Grade Summer Reading List

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Common questions

What grade level is The Very Hungry Caterpillar?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades K–2, with a Lexile measure of 460L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

What is the Lexile level of The Very Hungry Caterpillar?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has a Lexile measure of 460L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.

How long does it take to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar?

It takes about 30 minutes to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar (26 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 30 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign The Very Hungry Caterpillar?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The Very Hungry Caterpillar banned in schools?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.