The Caterpillar and the Blackbird - Kate O'Hearn

The Caterpillar and the Blackbird tells the storyof a bored, strong willed caterpillar that dreams of more in her life thaneating leaves and living on the same bush. She yearns for adventure and to trynew things. After a chance encounter with a blackbird, thecaterpillar's dreams come true as the blackbird takes her on the journey of alifetime. Along the way, they will meet an odd assortment of animals from acow, fox, frog, and hedgehog to a troupe of mischievous squirrels watched overby a wise old owl. With each encounter, the young caterpillar learns a valuable life lesson. But the most important lesson of all for the youngcaterpillar is the value of true friendship as she and the blackbird form anunlikely and unbreakable bond that will see her through her wondrousmetamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. Each character encounter in his book is a metaphor for our world, told in a fun and accessible way, For example, when meeting the frog, the caterpillar kicks a discarded water bottle's lid into the frog's pond, thus angering the frog who goes on to explain the importance of water and keeping it safe and clean. Or when meeting a timid fox, the caterpillar is told about different kinds of people and personalities. Or how a cow begs the young caterpillar to view her as more than just food on the hoof. Never preachy, the book is grounded in our world, though in the guise of another. Though this title is longer than most picture books at just over 2,000 words, it means that children from the very young to 7 or 8 find something special toenjoy and treasure. With bright, colourful hand drawn illustrations, it is a bookthat is sure to be a treasured addition to any bookshelf.   Â