ISLANDERS may not be familiar with La Carpéleuse Hardi Affanmée but they are likely to have read the original English version of the classic children’s book.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been translated into Jèrriais by the Jèrriais Teaching Service and is due to published next year.
The 1969 children’s picture book, which follows a caterpillar that consumes a variety of food before becoming a butterfly, was written by Eric Carle.
It has sold 50 million copies and been translated into more than 60 languages, with Jèrriais now among them after the rights were acquired from publisher Penguin Random House.
Ahead of the publication of a Jèrriais version, students and teachers at the JTS have organised a celebration of the story at Jersey Library.
On Saturday, themed events will be held for children and parents to hear what The Very Hungry Caterpillar eats throughout the week.
Islanders can visit the Library between 10am and 4pm and hear two versions of the book read in English and Jerriais, take part in a themed scavenger hunt, group Jèrriais readings and arts and crafts.
In previous years, the JTS has translated and published other well-known stories such as J’allons à la Chasse à L’ourse (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt) and Lé Gruffalo (The Gruffalo), which have been donated to Reception-age children in Jersey to encourage greater interest in the Island’s native language.
Copies of La Carpéleuse Hardi Affanmée will also be circulated next year. Older students of the Jèrriais Teaching Service from JCG and Grainville will be on hand to assist at the Library this weekend.
Susan Parker, who teaches Jèrriais, said: “We’re delighted to have the rights to translate and publish this special children’s book.”
