Eric Carle’s famous picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the greatest children’s stories of all time, having sold over 33 million copies since its publication in 1969.

Now, Mermaid theatre brings its stage production of the story to the Rose theatre, Kingston, using puppets, music and lighting to bring to life the story of a caterpillar who transforms into a beautiful butterfly.

Designed as an introduction to theatre for very young children, The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites includes two other stories by Carle: Little Cloud and The Mixed-Up Chameleon.

The stage adaptation brings the stories to life using puppets by leading Canadian puppet maker Jim Morrow, who also directs and designs the production.

On tour since 1999, the show has entertained young audiences all over the world in a variety of different languages, as well as in the company’s native Nova Scotia, Canada. In 2009 the company helped celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which has sold .