One of my all-time favorite books as a child was The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.  As a matter of fact, once I found out I was pregnant, one of the first things I bought for Riley was a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and a large stuffed plush of the caterpillar himself.

To this day, she still loves it when we read this story together, especially the part about the caterpillar eating so much that he gets a tummy ache.

Riley even had a few toys from The Very Hungry Caterpillar Early Learning System when she was a baby, namely the Developmental Ladybug.  We had that toy hung from her baby carrier, her car seat and even her crib and it never failed to thrill and delight!

Now that Riley is almost 4 years old, I've had to part with many of the playthings she had as a baby, but I actually hung on to the Developmental Ladybug so that I'll never forget how much she loved it and used to play with this particular toy.

The World of Eric Carle has recently introduced four brand new additions to their The Very Hungry Caterpillar Early Learning System and I had the chance to review them.  Keep reading to learn more!

Delight Your Child with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Early Learning System

Could it be that The Very Hungry Caterpillar started my love affair with life science?  After all, it does give a beginner's look at metamorphosis and the digestive system!  :big grin:  Seriously though, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic children's book that countless generations have come to love and enjoy.  With The Very Hungry Caterpillar Early Learning System, you can amuse and delight babies while encouraging playful discovery and learning that's fun!  This collection of toys is designed to emphasize the following:

• Reading and early language development
• Numbers, math and problem solving skills
• Creative play
• Friendship, learning to share and cooperate
• Discovery of nature and the world around us
• Sensory play, including hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills

The four latest and greatest additions to The Very Hungry Caterpillar Early Learning System include:

Wooden Stacking Toy

• Designed for children ages 6 months old and up
• Colorful wood rings teach color and size
• Stacking the rings helps children learn about weight, volume, counting and sequencing
• The rounded base design allows for safety and a fun rocking motion

Wiggly Jiggly Caterpillar

• 12" high, pull-down body that wiggles and jiggles when he's pulled
• Contains multiple colors, designs and textures
• Has four brightly colored plastic rings and one see-through ring with colored balls inside
• Teether ring on bottom of caterpillar
• Velcro-attachment loop for fun anywhere

Squeaker Teether Rattle

• Squeak and rattle sounds captivate baby's attention
• Textures promote tactile exploration
• Easy to grab body
• Bright colors and patterns engage early visual awareness

Days of the Week Play Mat

• Designed for children ages 6 months old and up
• 3 ft. x 3 ft. assembled foam mat
• Discover and learn the days of the week
• Water Resistant and Easy to Clean
• Brightly colored with counting opportunities related directly to the story

Just in case, somehow someway, you've never heard the magnificent tale of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, gather round and hear it read by the master himself:

You can find out more about The World of Eric Carle on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages, where free downloadable activities, craft and activity projects are offered regularly.