Nursery unveils mural inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Created by parents Victoria Baskerville and Lisa Tighe over a seven-week period, the finished mural was officially opened at Snaresbrook Primary School’s nursery in South Woodford.

Published in 1969 by Eric Carle, the children’s picture book has been translated into 50 different languages and has sold 30 million copies worldwide.

At the ceremony, headteacher since Easter, Graham Ford, read out a letter sent to the school by the Eric Carle Museum based in Massachusetts, USA.

It read: “It is a beautiful mural that we are sure will bring joy to children, teachers and families.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar has eaten its way into the hearts of people around the world, giving children the chance to learn something about the world around them.

“We hope it inspires art, reading and learning in your nursery.”

Speaking to the Guardian after the ceremony, Mr Ford said the school paid for the paint and is now planning to introduce a reading chair next to the mural.

“The area of the playground was in need of TLC so I was happy to let the parents decorate it,” he said.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar is very special to me as I read it to my son and it has been great to see it evolve over the last few weeks.

“It just shows how wonderful this school is that the parents are willing to work with us to move this school forward.”

Last year the school had also completed a mural celebrating the centenary of the start of the Great War, with each poppy painted by a different class.

Unveiling the new mural yesterday, nursery teacher Caroline Heard said: “I want to thank the parents as it is amazing and a great addition to the nursery.

“We have been reading the story to the children and it is one of their favourites.

“It teaches the children about colours, counting and the life cycle.”

The mural on the wall of Snaresbook Primary School's nursery playground.