The very hungry caterpillar's Australian adventures by Eric Carle

A larger board book with tactile illustrations continues the adventures of the very hungry caterpillar, this time, venturing into unknown territory in Australia. Each double page reveals an Australian image, beginning with a beach scene, where a four lined rhyming verse gives an impression of going to the beach in Australia, with a pelican, seagulls and sandcastle while young fingers will caress the sandy feel of the building. Over the page a kangaroo hops in the heat of the Australian bush and a tactile tree takes up one page. The narration dives under the sea with a tactile turtle, with images of other sea animals shown. A picnic by the river is a pleasant place to be and little fingers will find the picnic basket has a rough feel. And lastly a very bright bird inhabits the rainforest, with tempting bright shiny feathers offered as part of its plumage.

On each page can be spotted the caterpillar, making this an extra delight for younger children. Apart from feeling the different surfaces on each page, they will hear rhyming lines and words which depict parts of Australia, while learning of some of the flora and fauna Australia offers.

Themes: Australia, Australian flora and fauna, Journey, travel, Caterpillars, Humour.

Fran Knight