Nigella Lawson shared this Eric Carle story from his Very Hungry Caterpillar and everyone’s with Eric

John Plunkett. Updated May 27th, 2021

You may have seen the sad news today that much-loved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle has died aged 91.

He gave us so many fabulous books but it was A Very Hungry Caterpillar that will be most remembered.

And it turns out the iconic picture book didn’t quite pan out as its creator had originally intended.

I adore this passage from @poetclare‘s Fierce Bad Rabbits – Eric Carle fought for his caterpillar’s right to be merely hungry, and not to be punished for it. pic.twitter.com/YzpzLou7OI

— Katherine May (@_katherine_may_) May 27, 2021

And just in case that’s tricky to read, here it is again in full.

Here are just a few of the things people were saying about it.

Fascinating stuff. And now I think about it really does have an affect on the story. The caterpillar isn’t being greedy, it needs the nourishment for what it is about to go through.

— Mark Gray (@saintlymark) May 27, 2021

I applaud the caterpillar that shucks off his tummy ache and squeezes in just one more juicy green leaf. And feels better for it. Always room for a leaf of rocket.

— Maria Wickens (@Kiwimaria1) May 27, 2021

It’s wonderful. Food guilt is such a useless, punitive thing. Took me 527 or so YEARS to just enjoy food… and move on.

— DrEmilyL (@TheBullyingDr) May 27, 2021

The passage is from Clare Pollard’s Fierce Bad Rabbits – ‘the tales behind children’s picture books’ – just in case you’re interested (follow the author on Twitter here).

We’re with @hansmollman.

Out of respect I’m going to eat everything in the house today x https://t.co/qH1SCiTT5R

— Mollie Goodfellow (@hansmollman) May 27, 2021

Last word to @Nigella_Lawson.

RIP Eric Carle, author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. https://t.co/iol0HiwmhO

— Nigella Lawson (@Nigella_Lawson) May 27, 2021

Source Twitter @poetclare @_katherine_may_ H/T @Nigella_Lawson Image screengrab