“I think it is a book of hope,” he says. He’s wearing suspenders and a shirt that matches his lively blue eyes. “Children need hope. You, little insignificant caterpillar, can grow up into a beautiful butterfly and fly into the world with your talent. Will I ever be able to do that? Yes, you will. I think that is the appeal of that book.

‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’ By Eric Carle, Turns 50 : NPR