What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle · Book · 1994
If you loved The Very Hungry Caterpillar, start with The Magic School Bus (Bruce Degen, 1994) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Very Hungry Caterpillar across media.
What hooked you in The Very Hungry Caterpillar was the way that simple, curious exploration leads to a profound transformation.
Films on the same thread
Alice in Wonderland
Clyde Geronimi · Film · 1951
Explores: curiosity, identity crisis, loss of innocence.
Just as the protagonist of The Very Hungry Caterpillar wanders through a vivid world of discovery, Alice experiences a whimsical journey where curiosity drives every step of her development.
James and the Giant Peach
Henry Selick · Film · 1996
Explores: Orphanhood, Escapism, Found Family.
Much like the growth cycle observed in The Very Hungry Caterpillar, James undergoes a radical change as he leaves his old life behind for a strange, expansive adventure.
The Wizard of Oz
Victor Fleming · Film · 1939
Explores: Good vs Evil, The power of belief, There's no place like home.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar focuses on a small creature finding its place in the world, mirroring how Dorothy grows through her own journey of discovery and self-realization.
Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 2001
Explores: environmentalism, loss of innocence, identity.
Chihiro navigates a strange new world much like the caterpillar in The Very Hungry Caterpillar, experiencing a profound coming-of-age transformation that fundamentally changes her identity and perspective.
Series on the same thread
Sesame Street
Lloyd Morrisett · Series · 1969
Explores: Early Childhood Education, Social Skills, Community.
This series shares the foundational spirit of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by focusing on the early educational concepts that help children navigate their world through gentle, structured learning.
Reading Rainbow
Series · 1983
Explores: Literacy, Imagination, Cultural Exploration.
If you appreciated the way The Very Hungry Caterpillar introduces basic concepts through storytelling, this program offers a similar bridge to literacy and exploration for young, curious minds.
The Magic School Bus
Bruce Degen · Series · 1994
Explores: Science Education, Teamwork, Curiosity.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar encourages a sense of wonder about the natural world, a theme that continues here as students learn about science through adventurous and transformative field trips.
Rugrats
Arlene Klasky · Series · 1991
Explores: Childhood Imagination, Toddler Adventures, Adult Incompetence.
These toddlers turn everyday life into grand adventures, capturing the same spirit of discovery and growth found within the pages of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in a relatable way.
Podcasts on the same thread
Sleep With Me
Silver Sleeper Productions LLC · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Insomnia Relief, Mindfulness, Boredom Induction.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar concludes with a peaceful rest after a long day of growth, and this podcast offers a similar sense of calm for your own transition.
Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness
Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness · Podcast · 2026
Explores: curiosity, self-actualization, mental wellness.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar celebrates the necessity of growth, and this show applies that same spirit to adulthood by using curiosity as a primary tool for personal self-actualization.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What happens to the caterpillar in The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
After the caterpillar eats through many pages and develops a tummy ache, he finds a healthy leaf to eat. He then becomes sleepy and undergoes an amazing transformation that is revealed at the end of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Is The Very Hungry Caterpillar suitable for a quick read?
Yes, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a short story consisting of ten pages. The narrative follows a caterpillar that hatches from an egg, searches for food, and eventually finds a leaf that makes him sleepy before his final transformation.
Does the caterpillar in The Very Hungry Caterpillar get sick?
Yes, the caterpillar in The Very Hungry Caterpillar experiences a tummy ache after eating his way through the various foods found across the ten pages of the book. He eventually recovers by eating a healthy leaf.
How does The Very Hungry Caterpillar start?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar begins on a sunny day when a caterpillar pops out of an egg. Following his arrival, the caterpillar immediately starts searching for food, which leads him through the ten pages of the story.