A Childhood Classic, Reimagined for Playtime: Edx Education x The Very Hungry Caterpillar™

Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. First published in 1969, Eric Carle’s colourful story has become a rite of passage for generations, a book that is as likely to be found on a nursery shelf as it is fondly remembered by parents. Now, that much-loved world is stepping off the page and into the playroom, thanks to a brand-new collaboration between Edx Education and The World of Eric Carle™.

Edx Education, the leading Learning Through Play toy brand, has launched its first-ever licensed collection, bringing The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ to life through hands-on, educational play. Designed for children aged 18 months and up, the range blends nostalgia with purpose, encouraging creativity, curiosity and open-ended exploration, all while supporting key early learning skills.

Created in partnership with The World of Eric Carle™, managed in the UK by Penguin Ventures, the collection reimagines Edx Education’s best-selling toys with the instantly recognisable colours, shapes and illustrations of the iconic caterpillar. The result is a beautifully designed range that feels as good to gift as it is to use.

Learning Through Play, the Eric Carle Way

At the heart of the collection is Edx Education’s belief that play is one of the most powerful tools for learning. Each product has been thoughtfully designed to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving and creativity, without ever feeling like formal learning.

The My First Stamp Art set, suitable from 18 months, is a standout for budding artists. With non-toxic, washable rainbow inkpads and an activity book packed with stamping, finger painting and storytelling prompts, it invites children to make their very first marks while building confidence and coordination. It is also refreshingly inclusive. Older siblings and parents can get involved too, using the stamps to create cards, decorations or scrapbook pages, making it a genuine family activity rather than a solo toy.

For fans of tactile, open-ended play, the My First Rainbow Pebbles® set offers a playful twist on a much-loved Edx Education classic. Smooth, stackable and inspired by the colours of the story, the pebbles encourage balancing, sorting and pattern-making, making them ideal for both home playrooms and early years settings.

The My First Construction Cubes, also suitable from 18 months, introduce early STEAM learning in an engaging and accessible way. Featuring cheerful caterpillar patterns, the cubes allow children to build two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes while exploring concepts such as sequencing, measurement and spatial awareness. Character details add an imaginative layer, turning construction time into a storytelling experience inspired by Eric Carle’s world.

Completing the collection is the My First String Art set, designed for children aged three and over. Using sturdy pegboards, vibrant strings and themed activity cards, children can thread, design and experiment while strengthening fine motor skills and developing creative thinking. The activity also introduces foundational STEAM concepts such as geometry, while encouraging patience and focus.

A Thoughtful Gift for Modern Families

Priced at £14.99 per set, the collection strikes a balance between quality, design and affordability, making it an ideal choice for birthdays, Christmas, playdates or thoughtful surprise gifts. As Heather Welch, General Manager of Edx Education UK, explains, the aim is to help families rediscover the magic of Eric Carle’s story while nurturing essential educational skills and enjoying meaningful moments together.

Available now from selected retailers and online, Edx Education’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ range is a joyful reminder that learning does not need to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a splash of colour, a curious mind and a very hungry caterpillar.