The Caterpillar and the Blackbird

The Caterpillar and the Blackbird tells the story of a bored, strong willed caterpillar that dreams of more in her life than eating leaves and living on the same bush. She yearns for adventure and to try new things. After a chance encounter with a blackbird, the caterpillar's dreams come true as the blackbird takes her on the journey of a lifetime. Along the way, they will meet an odd assortment of animals from a cow, fox, frog, and hedgehog to a troupe of mischievous squirrels watched over by a wise old owl. With each encounter, the young caterpillar learns a valuable life lesson. But the most important lesson of all for the young caterpillar is the value of true friendship as she and the blackbird form an unlikely and unbreakable bond that will see her through her wondrous metamorphosis 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 to enjoy and treasure. With bright, colourful hand drawn illustrations, it is a book that is sure to be a treasured addition to any bookshelf.