Caterpillar's Surprise

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A charming children’s picture book, delightfully illustrated in shades of pale green, blue, gold and brown - nature colors that resonate with the themes explored of transformation, friendship, and the wonder of the natural world around us.

There is magic all around us, we learn - creatures large and small are constantly changing, growing, becoming more, in some cases, than even they had ever imagined.

As Caterpillar and Tadpole, our main protagonists, receive an invitation to an upcoming masquerade ball, hosted by a wise old owl, their excitement builds as they support each other in their dream to win big and take home the prized blue ribbon.

As these wonderful creatures play and sing, becoming fast friends in the show more luscious moonlight, the author and illustrator’s elegant font, graceful rhymes, and sweetly evocative pictures conjure up a quiet, magical mood, - one that both reader and child will find soothing and endearing.

As the friends continue to eat and grow, it’s not long before some strange events begin to unfold. Caterpillar, who finds herself suddenly encapsulated in a mummified chrysalis, becomes inaccessible to a worried Tadpole, who appears to be going through some changes of his own. Something mysterious is definitely afoot, and it’s impossible for Tadpole to hold back his panic, worrying now that Caterpillar will lose her chance to take home her coveted blue ribbon.

As Caterpillar finally emerges as a beautiful Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly, on her own and with no sign of Tadpole, she begins an all encompassing search, all thoughts of the contest forgotten, in her quest to find her missing tadpole buddy.

There is inevitably great joy when they are finally reunited - Tadpole now a leaping and lovely Leopard Frog - and ultimately, there is a gentle lesson presented for all of us to learn.

Transformational changes, like disguises we shed, do not change who we are, deep inside.

We may not always be able to predict or imagine the wonders growing (or growing up) may bring.

But throughout it all, as Caterpillar and Tadpole discovered, there is nothing more important than living our lives as joyously as we can with those we count on, to be there for us, as we will be there for them - our special friends.

A great big thank you to LibraryThing for this Early Reviewers ARC of #Caterpillars Surprise. All thoughts presented are my own. show less

My excitement knew no bounds when I received an ARC of Janet Halfmann's latest book, "Caterpillar's Surprise". I was hoping to win the book because of the adorable book cover which drew me towards it. This was a completely new author for me to read. When it comes to children's books I prefer to stick to the tried and tested topics so this was a gamble.

Being a fan of books about butterfly, I was seventh heaven when I saw the book in my mail. there is no scarcity of picture books that describe in detail the life cycle of a butterfly. This book was an exception as it combines fiction, entertainment and education. The book follows the metamorphosis of a tiger swallowtail.

The story begins with the Caterpillar dreaming of winning the blue show more ribbon at the Masquerade ball. Lacking self confidence, the caterpillar becomes disheartened at its appearance. There enters a confident and cheerful Tadpole who motivates and encourages the Caterpillar. It convinces the Caterpillar and helps it develop confidence in its baby picture where it resembles bird poo. The Caterpillar again loses hope as its transformation cycle begins and it changes from brown to green and into a Chrysallis. This leaves the Tadpole worried about it. Does the Caterpillar break out of her chrysalis in time? Does it makes it to the ball? Does it win the blue ribbon?

It is a stunning book of friendship, self discovery, camaraderie, encouragement and self acceptance amidst educating about the metamorphosis of a butterfly. The friendship between the Tadpole and the Caterpillar teaches us that the right friends and motivation can help turn anyone into a beautiful butterfly.

Children will thoroughly enjoy the bug-eyed characters and short rhymes among the prose style of the book. The author has craft fully employed the images, language, and events of the life cycle with a kid-friendly approach. Sensitive parts like skin shedding, being compared to bird poo, and getting sleepy are dealt with delicately. The masterstroke are the illustrations that add detail to the story that helps connect with young readers. At the same time it will make the inquisitive minds delve into further inquiry about nature.

I recommend this book to not just kids but every person who loves nature especially butterflies. show less

Caterpillar and her friend Tadpole want to attend the Masquerade Ball to win the blue ribbon for best disguise. Caterpillar is concerned that she doesn't have a good disguise, but tadpole reminds her that she looks just like bird poop! As the Masquerade approaches Caterpillar and Tadpole grow and change, soon Caterpillar feels tired and must nap. She is worried that she might miss the Masquerade, when Tadpole can't wake her friend, Tadpole sets off to win the ribbon for her. However, Caterpillar soon has a surprise of her own when she wakes from her long nap.

Caterpillar's Surprise is a fun story with positive messages about change and body images as well as environmental literacy concepts about camouflage and metamorphosis. I loved show more Tadpoles rhyming songs and body positivity. Caterpillar and Tadpole have a wonderful and encouraging friendship. The changes in both animals are shown through beautifully drawn cute but realistic illustrations. The baby pictures that the animals brought to the Masquerade were a wonderful way to highlight additional changes within the animal kingdom. Overall, a good book for introducing environmental concepts for children ages 2-6.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

The plot of this book is predictable and the conclusion won't come as a surprise to many but children will still enjoy it. It is well written and beautifully illustrated. If I ever wrote a children's book Emily Krueger would be on the short list of people to illustrate it.

Caterpillar Surprise
By
Janet Halfmann
Illustrated by
Emily Krueger
I taught elementary school for years so I have read a lot of books to teach children about the world. This book was a refreshing blend of facts and fiction that would hold children’s interest while teaching them about the life cycle of a butterfly. The illustrations were fun, creative and intriguing. It used interesting descriptive words as well as dialogue and songs. The use of humour and onomatopoeia adds to the fun. It would be interesting and well received by children and adults too. I will search out your other books for sure.

A cute story about friendship and the changes of childhood, or critter-hood at least.

The illustrations are gorgeous! And the story sweet, but I felt the tale did leave some gaps in the story line. But I'm sure no creature-loving child will notice and will bring this one to bed for story time for many nights to come

A cute read. I enjoyed the story and the pictures. It gave good descriptions and between the dialogue and the pictures I had a great idea of what was going on.