In celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Urban Projections collaborated with Penguin House Publishing and Eric Carle Studios to create a vibrant, city-wide tribute to one of the most beloved children’s books of all time.

Using the Light Cycle - a custom-built mobile projection device - Urban Projections transformed buildings and landmarks across London into glowing storybook moments. Colourful pop-up projections appeared after dark, casting joyful, hopeful visuals inspired by Eric Carle’s iconic illustrations. Each site became a temporary stage for messages of growth, transformation, and resilience - core themes that have defined The Very Hungry Caterpillar for generations.

First published in 1969, Eric Carle’s story of a tiny caterpillar’s journey into a butterfly has reached millions of readers worldwide, teaching children about nature, change, and self-discovery. This anniversary project reimagined that journey through immersive light, taking the book’s spirit into public spaces and directly to the streets of London.

The mobility of the Light Cycle allowed the installation to move easily between locations, creating surprise encounters with Carle’s world in unexpected settings. These fleeting displays offered moments of connection, nostalgia, and joy - reminding audiences of the enduring power of children’s literature to inspire hope and imagination.

More than a tribute, this collaboration brought The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life in a bold, public-facing form - celebrating the lasting impact of Eric Carle’s work and its message of transformation for new generations.