The Very Hungry Caterpillar the most read children’s book

Eric Carle’s beloved book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is the most read children’s book in the UK.

Originally published in 1969, the book is read an average of nine times a year by the 5.5 million primary school children in the nation.

And the ‘mistake’ towards the end when the caterpillar pops out of a cocoon instead of a chrysalis was given the OK by a scientist after the book’s editor checked the change of terminology would be OK.

The second most popular book is fairytale Cinderella, though most likely the nice version from Perrault rather than the blood thirsty ending of Aschenputtel by the Brothers Grimm.

Classic books have been making a come back, ‘’A huge amount of parents are familiar with the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and it’s a book that has obviously been passed down through the generations,” says spokesperson for Early Learning Centre Nicki Tracey.

“It’s great to see so many books on this list that parents have obviously enjoyed themselves as children and as a result encouraged their own children to read and love as well. It’s especially good to see that so many parents and children enjoy reading these stories that they re-read the same books over and over.”

Three quarters of parents encouraged their children to read books they themselves loved as a child, with Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton continuing to inspire and entertain at bedtimes.

The most read children’s book, along with the number of times they are read each year in a family:

8.85 The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle
8.71 Cinderella – Various
8.41 Mr Men – Roger Hargreaves
7.72 Peppa Pig – Various
7.49 Postman Pat – John Cunliffe
7.48 The Gruffalo  – Julia Donaldson
7.43 Fireman Sam – Various
7.39 Spot the Dog – Eric Hill
7.31 Biff, Chip and Kipper – Roderick and Cynthia Rider Hunt
7.25 Horrid Henry – Francesca Simon
7.14 The Gruffalo’s child – Julia Donaldson
6.66 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
6.65 Dora the Explorer – Various
6.53 Winnie the Pooh – A. A. Milne
6.43 Bob the Builder – Various
6.09 The Cat in the Hat – Dr Seuss
6.09 Fantastic Mr Fox – Roald Dahl
5.88 Charlie and Lola – Lauren Child
5.22 Alfie and Annie Rose Stories – Shirley Hughes
5.21 Aliens love Underpants – Claire Freedman and Ben Cort