The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Listen to “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” on Spreaker.

In a sunny garden bustling with life, a tiny caterpillar named Carl began a remarkable journey of growth and change. Carl loved to eat everything he found with curiosity. But he didn’t know that his hunger would lead to new friends and amazing transformations.

As the days went by, Carl ate juicy apples, plump strawberries, and even a piece of chocolate cake. Each meal filled him up and made him happy.

But as Carl’s belly grew bigger, he started to feel worried. The garden that was once full of fruits and leaves now seemed empty and lonely.

One day, while resting on a leaf, Carl saw a wise and gentle butterfly named Bella fluttering nearby. Bella had watched Carl explore the garden and eat its treasures.

“Hello, dear caterpillar,” Bella greeted with a smile. “I’ve been watching you eat so much. How do you feel now?”

Carl looked down at his plump body and sighed. “I ate a lot, but I still feel like something is missing.”

Bella nodded knowingly. “Maybe it’s time to find nourishment in other ways, Carl. The garden has beauty, friends, and magic waiting for you.”

With Bella’s help, Carl started to see the garden differently. He admired the pretty flowers, watched butterflies dance, and listened to birds singing. He enjoyed chatting with other insects and feeling their friendship.

As days passed, Carl became closer to Bella. He learned that making friends and enjoying the garden were just as important as eating. And as he understood this, something magical happened.

One morning, Carl woke up inside a soft cocoon. The world around him had changed, and he felt calm and excited. His journey was not over; it was just beginning in a new way.

Weeks went by, and Carl’s cocoon started to crack. With gentle effort, he emerged as a beautiful butterfly with wings as colorful as the garden he loved.

Bella greeted him happily. “Welcome, dear friend,” she said. “You’ve transformed, just like the garden changed you.”

Carl looked at his wings in wonder. He realized his journey was about more than eating; it was about growing, making friends, and discovering his true self.

The end!

Follow-up questions:

• How did Carl feel after eating lots of food in the garden?
• Who helped Carl see the garden in a new way, and what did Carl learn from them?
• What happened to Carl after he woke up inside the soft cocoon?