The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories

Featuring five animated adaptations of works by children's picture book author Eric Carle, this compilation kicks off with the 1969 tale “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” about a newly hatched caterpillar, whose first week finds him on a gluttonous journey through various types of fruits and snacks: Monday he tackles an apple, on Tuesday two pears, Wednesday three plums…and so on, until Saturday, when he totally pigs out on everything from chocolate cake and Swiss cheese, to salami and cherry pie! After recovering from the inevitable stomachache, the caterpillar nestles itself in a cocoon, before metamorphosing into a beautiful butterfly. Also featuring “I See a Song” (1973), a wordless story about a violinist (accompanied by music); “The Mixed-Up Chameleon” (1975), revolving around a googly-eyed reptile who is fleetingly envious of various zoo animals; “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me” (1986), following pigtailed Monica's titular request; and “The Very Quiet Cricket” (1990), which features an unhappily silent insect whose first chirp impresses another—babe—cricket; as well as a bonus “Eating Through the Week” game, this colorful compilation of classic stories is easily recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)