The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Why I chose it: I chose "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" for our book club because it's a captivating story with educational value and interactive elements. With its colorful illustrations and rhythmic text, it engages young readers while teaching important concepts like counting and healthy eating. The timeless appeal and themes of growth and transformation make it a beloved classic that fosters lively discussions and encourages active participation during our sessions.

Reading Comprehension Questions:
18 months to 3 years old:

1. What color is the caterpillar? (Assesses basic identification and recall.)
2. Can you point to the sun in the book? (Assesses basic visual comprehension.)
3. What sound does the caterpillar make when it eats? (Assesses basic auditory comprehension.)

4-7 years old:

1. Why did the caterpillar eat so much food? (Assesses understanding of character motivation.)
2. How did the caterpillar change at the end of the story? (Assesses understanding of plot development.)
3. What lesson do you think the caterpillar learned about eating too much? (Assesses critical thinking and inference skills.)

Craft idea: Paper Plate Caterpillar

Materials

• Paper Plate
• Green Paint
• Paint Brush
• Googly Eyes
• Scissors
• Glue
• Pipe Cleaners

Instructions:

1. Paint the bottom side of the paper plate green and let it dry completely.
2. Once dry, fold the paper plate in half and cut along the fold to create two semi-circles
3. Take one of the semi-circles and glue googly eyes near the curved edge.
4. Cut small pieces of pipe cleaners and glue them along the curved edge to create antennas. 
5. Cut out small circles from different colored pipe cleaners to create the caterpillar's spots.
6. Glue the pipe cleaner circles onto the body of the caterpillar.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for the other semi-circle.
8. Once everything is glued and dried, your paper plate caterpillar craft is ready to display!

This simple and fun craft is perfect for young children to practice fine motor skills and creativity.

Snack idea: Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

• Assorted fruits (such as strawberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, and melon balls)
• Wooden skewers or toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Wash and prepare the fruits by cutting them into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
2. Thread the fruit pieces onto the wooden skewers or toothpicks in any pattern you like.
3. Serve the fruit kabobs immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Enjoy the snack time with your little one and the book!