THIS MUCH I KNOW

author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I don’t think I would adjust the book for food intolerances today. The food in my book came out of my imagination, perhaps entertaining the child inside. The original storyline had a banana in it, but it wasn’t used.

I like simple food the best, wholegrain bread and honey; fresh-squeezed orange juice.

For a long time, I did not understand why The Very Hungry Caterpillar was so popular. Over time I have come to believe many children can identify with the helpless, small, insignificant caterpillar, and they rejoice when it turns into a beautiful butterfly. I think it’s a message of hope. It says: I, too, can grow up. I can unfold my wings (my talents and dreams) and fly into the world. This is a universal concern that children have: Will I grow up? Will I be able to function as an adult?

I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to do the work that I love for a long time. I find it very moving that there are parents who grew up reading my books who are now reading them to their own children. It is very meaningful to know that my work has been enjoyed by generations of readers.

If I were a colour? I am a great fan of yellow but truthfully I love all colours. In a way I feel the colourful illustrations of my books are a kind of antidote to the greys and browns of my childhood, growing up in Germany during World War II.

I feel it is unfortunate that we, as humans, are limited to the range of colours we can see with our eyes, unlike some insects and other creatures.

I didn’t have many books as a child, but I have very fond memories of sitting on my father’s lap while he read the Sunday newspaper funny pages to me. I enjoyed Mickey Mouse and Flash Gordon. But it is the closeness with my father, the connection we shared that made the most lasting impact. I feel strongly that by reading with your child, by the simple act of holding them close while you read to them, you let them know that you care for them, have time for them and love them. Sharing a book becomes more than pages with words and pictures.

The most important trait in a human being is kindness.

I can only speak from my experience, so the biggest technological change in my lifetime has been the advent of the computer in the world of publishing. But, for a book to work the basic ingredients remain the same: good ideas, good design, and quality materials.

I would most like to metamorphosise into a cat, so I could feel how peaceful cats seem when they are sleeping.

Sarah Daniell

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR IS NOW A THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE, PLAYING AT THE BRUCE MASON CENTRE, TAKAPUNA, JULY 18-22 AS PART OF AUCKLAND LIVE KIDSPLAY PROGRAMME. SEE AUCKLANDLIVE.CO.NZ