What We Learn From The Very Hungry Caterpillar

One of the most beloved children's stories of all time has a good lesson when it comes to moderation.

Over 40 years, 12 million copies and 20 languages later, Eric Carl's classic "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," continues to impact culture, and its underlying messages are now being promoted to help combat childhood obesity.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is teaming up with the Pearson Foundation and We Give Books. The AAP will be distributing copies of the book to more than 17,000 pediatricians' offices.

The book will come packaged with growth charts and a reading guide designed to help parents use the story to talk to their young children about healthy eating.

If you were deprived of a complete childhood aren't familiar with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, here's a brief synopsis...

Caterpillar comes out of his egg. He's hungry. Day one, he eats through a red apple. On day two, 2 green pears. On day three, 3 purple plums, on day four, 4 strawberries, on day five, 5 oranges. Nothing wrong there. But then, our little caterpillar goes completely off the rails, crushing chocolate cake, ice cream, a pickle, cheese, salami, a lollipop, sausage, a cupcake, a cherry pie and a watermelon.

*Spoiler Alert*

(That night, he wished he had finished his gluttonous episode with a bottle of Tums)

To make a short story even shorter, he gets really fat, eats through a leaf, builds a cocoon and turns into a beautiful butterfly.

I think it's a wonderful idea on many levels. Any health-promoting idea that can be integrated into children's pop culture is a good step. And, while I don't see this single idea having much impact, I think from a more global perspective, it provides a parental teaching opportunity.

As parents, we should seek out teaching opportunities in books, TV, movies and everyday life, to get our children thinking about decisions that impact their health.

I think it comes down to role-modelling and education from a parenting perspective. The more institutions, school/government, etc. that are on board with promoting healthy eating and exercise, the better equipped we will be to fight childhood obesity.

Do you think The Very Hungry Caterpillar could be a useful tool to help combat childhood obesity?

Image Credit: Baby Books Guide

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