Thursday, February 2, 2023

24. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends


Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends (Ready-to-Read Graphics Level 1) Kaz Windness. 2023. [January] 64 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hello! Hello! We are friends, Caterpillar! Yes, Worm. Best friends!

Premise/plot: Worm and Caterpillar are friends. Worm sees only how alike they are. Caterpillar, however, is always quick to point out they are not the same, how different they are. Caterpillar even corrects Worm  now and then; Worm is quick to make conclusions (at time). This is the story of what happens when Caterpillar transitions into a Butterfly. Worm is not a big fan of change, and, well, Worm doesn't know quite what to make of what his best friend has become. (Are butterflies like birds???? Should he be afraid of his flying friend????)

My thoughts: This early reader 'graphic' novel includes information on the life cycle of worms and caterpillars. The story could quite naturally be taken literally at face value. Of course, the story might be interpreted by some readers--other readers--symbolically, allegorically. Regardless of how far you want to take the text--it is a story of acceptance, affirmation, and growth (in friendship).

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

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