Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar Toys

by Jimmie

Toys based on great books instill a love of reading. Fill the nursery with toys inspired by the popular children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

The beloved children's classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle has inspired an entire line of delightful children's toys.

Why encourage television watching by buying toys based on cartoon programming or Disney movies? Instead encourage reading by giving your children toys based on living books

As you read the story again and again to your toddler, he or she can play with the toy and act out the story. Later when your child plays alone you will see him reenact the story using The Very Hungry Caterpillar toys featured here. This kind of play based on reading develops literacy and creativity.

Rocking Caterpillar

For the Baby's Nursery

If you are decorating a nursery, this adorable Hungry Caterpillar Rocking Toy would be a cherished toy. Imagine your toddler rocking back and forth as you read picture books to him or her. You may expect that this kind of physical activity during listening time is distracting. Quite the contrary, physical action helps many children to focus. As the body is moving rhythmically, the mind is free to focus on the story being read. 

A rocking horse is a great tool for reading aloud to your child!

Old Fashioned Wooden Pull Toy

With an Eric Carle Twist

Remember the old fashioned wooden pull toys? I had a dachshaund made by Fisher Price. This wooden pull toy has the bright colors of Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

Any busy toddler would love pulling this toy around the house as he imagines new adventures for the caterpillar.

The Classic Jack in the Box

Remade by Eric Carle

Delight your child with the repetitive action of a pop up toy with this Very Hungry Caterpillar version. Don't discount these "simple" toys in favor of complex electronic ones. These classic toys are classic for a reason.

Children learn eye hand coordination as they twist the handle, put the caterpillar back into the box, and latch the lid. They experience cause and effect as they turn and see the toy pop up. The begin to predict when it will happen and can enjoy the anticipation of suspense.

This toy will reinforce the value of books because the toy is a beloved character from a picture book.

Plush Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The World of Eric Carle Apple Playset...
Only $26.0
Kids Preferred The World of Eric Carl...
Only $11.99

What Do Kids Learn From Playing With The Very Hungry Caterpillar?

Very Hungry Caterpillar Plush

The Very Hungry Caterpillar uses repetition, colorful illustrations, and a simple storyline to teach children. 

  • days of the week
  • numbers
  • the life cycle of a butterfly

The wonderful thing about having plush toys is that your child can retell the story through the concrete objects before him. The toys serve as reminders and make the story come a live for him. 

Little children are very concrete thinkers. This is why children's books always have pictures. They need to see something. Toys based on books bring the stories to life and give the children physical ways to act out the story and the ideas learned in it.

Updated: 02/27/2012, Jimmie
 
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sheilamarie on 12/31/2011

Digby is right -- that's a great museum to bring children. I have given the book and toy as a baby shower present before. It makes a great combination.

Digby_Adams on 12/30/2011

Jimmie Matt and I spent a wonderful day at the Eric Carle Museum in Stockbridge, MA. His artwork is gorgeous. I just bought my nephew an Eric Carl Hungry Caterpillar book and plush. The plush toy has all these different textures and a rattle. Horatio is only six months so it's perfect for him to play with.

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