Inch by Inch (children's book)

Inch by Inch is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Leo Lionni, published in 1960. The book follows the story of an inchworm who uses his ability to measure things to avoid being eaten by birds. He cleverly measures various parts of the natural world, such as a robin's tail, a toucan's beak, and a flamingo's neck, until he is asked to measure the song of a nightingale. The inchworm then offers to measure the song, inch by inch, and crawls away to freedom, cleverly escaping a predator by using his unique skill.

The book is known for its simple yet engaging narrative, its beautiful and distinctive illustrations using collage techniques, and its underlying themes of resourcefulness, problem-solving, and the value of individual skills. It is frequently used in early childhood education to teach concepts related to measurement, numbers, and creative thinking. Inch by Inch has received numerous awards and accolades and is considered a classic in children's literature.