The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

CARLE, Eric.

$25,000.00

Item Number: 133755

Cleveland: World Publishing, 1969.

First edition, first printing of Carle’s most recognizable work (with the complete number line 1-5 on the copyright page and A3450 on the rear board). Oblong quarto, original illustrated boards. Signed by Eric Carle on the title page with an original drawing of a caterpillar. Near fine in a very good price-clipped dust jacket with $3.91 on the bottom flap, clipped on the top as usual with a few small stains, small ownership inscription to the front free endpaper. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. Signed first editions are exceedingly rare.

"Eric Carle was one of the first illustrators intrigued with the idea of introducing natural science concepts to young children. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has remained in print for [over] 25 years, attesting to its popularity" (Silvey, 120). The Very Hungry Caterpillar was originally published in 1969 and has since sold over 30 million copies and was voted the number two children's picture book in a 2012 survey of School Library Journal readers.