Very Hungry Caterpillar birthday party

June 12, 2009

For 40 years now, children have loved Eric Carle's book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the author's birthday is coming up on June 25.

If your little one has a birthday in the next couple of weeks, consider honoring Carle and the caterpillar by hosting a themed party using some of the following ideas.

Decorate the house with green and red balloons - the famed caterpillar's colors - streamers and maybe some butterfly cutouts.

A caterpillar cake might seem daunting, so unadventurous bakers can make a caterpillar out of cupcakes. Alternate frosting colors on each cupcake to suggest the insect's stripy appearance.

Children may like to hear the story and make their own caterpillar paper clips with some wooly balls, wooden clothespins, glue and sequins, before settling down for dessert and present-opening.

In addition, for a little girl's party activity and favors, draw a simple butterfly shape on enough T-shirts for guests and provide smocks, glitter and fabric paint to let the ladies create their own fashions.

Boys may prefer a treasure hunt where they have to find objects in the way that the hungry caterpillar searched for food. Remember to give the winner a small prize.