My Very Hungry Caterpillar
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- $3.99
- Kids' Games
Parents say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that My Very Hungry Caterpillar is a set of activities centered on the caterpillar from Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. There is no reading or dialogue; most kids will take quickly to the controls, which primarily involve tapping and dragging; and the sounds are reminiscent of a music box. Though there are some nature lessons, don't expect science instruction, as this caterpillar plays with toys and sails on a little boat. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
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What's it about?
MY VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR starts with an egg. Kids gently tap it until it hatches into a caterpillar. From there they will feed it, play with it, and make sure it gets plenty of rest. Each day unlocks a new activity until the first caterpillar forms a cocoon. Kids and their caterpillars will grow flowers, sort shapes, paint pictures, pick fruit, and go for a sail. After meeting a daily requirement of fun and food, kids can help the caterpillar back to his stump and tuck him in for a nap. Eventually, the caterpillar forms a cocoon and kids will help unwrap it to reveal a colorful butterfly. Then it all starts over with a new egg. The activities remain unlocked once kids have discovered them, and they are free to play in whatever areas and with whatever toys they enjoy most.
Is it any good?
This book-based collection of activities has feel-good written all over it, from the tinkling musical notes to the bright colors to the lake with rubber ducks floating in it. Kids will love taking care of their caterpillars and gardens, and though the activities are repetitive, new toys and foods help keep things fresh. Of course, the time line for metamorphosis and growing fruit is greatly accelerated, so it's important for kids to understand that nature moves much more slowly. Younger children, or those with less mobile device experience, may need a bit of help figuring out the mechanics, despite some well-meaning arrow prompts on the screen. The painting exercise is the least intuitive, as the caterpillar can crawl through the paint or serve as a sort of paintbrush, but finger painting is limited. A delightful experience for little ones, caring for the caterpillar encourages nurturing and exploration.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the life cycle of a caterpillar from egg to caterpillar to butterfly. What is the process called? How long does it really take?
Talk about how to care for a family pet. What does it need every day? How can kids help?
Plant some flower seeds so kids can experience the actual time it takes for plants to grow.
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Science: life cycle
- Skills: Creativity: imagination
Tech Skills: using and applying technology - Price: $3.99
- Pricing structure: Paid (A free to try version is available on Android. iOS and Windows are paid only.)
- Release date: March 19, 2015
- Category: Kids' Games
- Topics: Book Characters, Bugs, Science and Nature
- Size: 76.00 MB
- Publisher: StoryToys Entertainment Limited
- Version: 1.0.3
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 6.0, Android 2.3
- Last updated: June 23, 2019
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