1. Art
2. Board books
3. Butterflies
4. Caterpillars
5. Counting
6. Food
7. Indigenous languages
8. Insects
9. Metamorphosis
10. Nature
11. Teaching
12. Visual literacy

‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ is one of the best-known picture books ever published. Children worldwide know the book’s famous phrase ‘and he was still hungry.’ The Indigenous Literacy Foundation have undertaken a project to translate and publish ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ in several First Nations languages.

When the story opens a tiny egg lies on a leaf in the moonlight. As the sun rises a caterpillar emerges and sets off in search of food. Over the next week he manages to munch his way through an enormous amount and variety of foodstuffs giving himself quite a stomach- ache. To help he eats a green leaf and feels much better. Now though he is neither hungry or small and builds himself a cocoon. He stays inside for two whole weeks before eating a hole and pushing his way out. He is no longer a hungry caterpillar; he has become a beautiful butterfly.

‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ is a story read and enjoyed in many languages around the world. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation recognises the importance of First Nations children seeing their First Nations language in published books. It sends a strong message about the importance of acknowledging and maintaining the language and furthers the development of identity, pride, culture and connection to Country and community. ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ Is one of several children’s picture books classics that are being translated into First Nations languages by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ is currently available in 11 First Nations languages and it is possible this number will continue to grow.

Eric Carle 1929-2021 was one of America’s best known children’s books illustrators. His artwork is distinctive and instantly recognisable and has won many awards worldwide. In 2002, he and his late wife established The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.

1. Indigenous Literacy Foundation. ‘5 reasons why kids deserve access to books in First languages.’ https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/news-events/5-reasons-why-kids-deserve-access-to-books-in-first-languages
2. National Indigenous Times 7 October 2022. Callan Morse. ‘Much- loved children’s classic ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ translated into six First Nations languages.’ https://nit.com.au/07-10-2022/4030/much-loved-childrens-classic-the-very-hungry-caterpillar-translated-into-six-first-nations-languages
3. 96three FM Blog Georgia Free. ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and other kids classics, now in First Nations languages.’ https://www.96three.com.au/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-and-other-kids-classics-now-in-first-nations-languages/
4. Indigenous Literacy Foundation ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s first bite’ https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/the-very-hungry-caterpillars-first-bite.html.html
5. ABC Tropical North 3 June 2019. Sophie Meixner reports ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar turns 50 and gets its own Indigenous language translation.’ https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-03/very-hungry-caterpillar-translated-into-yuwi-language/10924188
6. Eric Carle ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ https://eric-carle.com/eric-carle-book-gallery/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-1969/
7. ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ animated film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75NQK-Sm1YY