The Very Hungry Caterpillar

CARLE, Eric. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 25^th Anniversary Edition. [NY]: Philomel [1994]. Oblong 8vo, [28]pp. Silver boards with original signed illustration by Carle – done in crayon -- affixed to the front cover. Color pictorial endpapers; color illustrations on every page. A fine copy housed in original acrylic case and in the publisher’s original gift box. Signed by the artist, Eric Carle, next to an original crayon illustration on a sheet of fine drawing paper affixed to the front.

25^th Anniversary Limited Edition, being one of 500 copies created in this format. This copy is numbered “AP” for “artist’s proof.” This lavish edition of Eric Carle’s masterpiece was issued for the 25^th Anniversary in 1994 (over 25 years ago itself!) and each copy featured an original illustration by Carle affixed to the sliver cover boards. Those copies marked “AP” were not sold but used by the artist and publisher for distribution to special individuals.  A perennial favorite, Eric Carle’s vision of the life of a caterpillar has now captivated tens of millions of young readers for over 50 years!