Truck Full of Ducks author Ross Burach playfully educates readers about metamorphosis in his rib-tickling picture book The Very Impatient Caterpillar. "Meta-WHAT-now?" asks the eager insect. Using dialogue reminiscent of that during a long car ride with a toddler, Burach's book takes its audience through the caterpillar's transformation into beautiful butterfly: "Am I a butterfly yet?"/ "No."/ "How about now?"/ "No."/ "Now?"/ "No. Be patient!" It learns to build a chrysalis and begins not-so-patiently waiting... "TWO WEEKS?!" How can this itchy little insect "just be patient and let nature take its course" for two whole weeks? What can one do in a chrysalis for that long? More importantly, the caterpillar wonders, "What if I need the bathroom?" The payoff for the arduous task is--of course--a stunning new body, complete with wings. But can the caterpillar wait that long?
Burach illustrates this delightful picture book using bold colors that reinforce the caterpillar's hyper excitement in a cartoonish style that plays up the slapstick humor. The abundance of rich greens helps young readers identify the story's natural setting while also building momentum for the final reveal: the vivid, bright "BUTTERFLY!"
The subtle lesson about patience blends quietly into the noise of this loveably loud insect. Story time toddler audiences will likely be on the edge of their seats waiting to see if this hyper-active caterpillar will succeed. Unlike the bug's reaction to its wait, the human response to The Very Impatient Caterpillar is almost sure to be, "Again!" --Jen Forbus, freelancer