The tale begins with a tiny egg on a leaf that hatches into a small caterpillar. Famished, the caterpillar begins to eat through different foods, starting with one apple on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, and so on. As the week progresses, he indulges in an assortment of unhealthy foods on Saturday, which gives him a stomachache. On Sunday, he eats a green leaf, which makes him feel better.
After this feast, the caterpillar builds a cocoon around itself and stays inside for over two weeks. Finally, it emerges as a beautiful butterfly, completing its transformation.
This story beautifully illustrates themes of growth, healthy eating, and the life cycle of butterflies, all presented through engaging illustrations and simple text, making it a beloved classic for children.