When you work in a bookstore, you never know what you might find. I was talking to a co-worker and he told me he had several copies sent to him of The Very Impatient Caterpillar. I know he thought of this book as I was being a bit of an impatient caterpillar myself (my lunch was stuck to the plate I used and was not coming clean as quickly as I hoped). Therefore, I was excited to read about myself…. I mean about a caterpillar that had this similar issue.
And while Ross Burach created some funny moments about a caterpillar who must learn patience while trying to turn into a butterfly, there was nothing new to about it. This is partly due to the fact that it is not totally a science book. It is a story about a kid/caterpillar being impatient that has some fun facts about metamorphosis and butterflies. However, it could be used in addition to in the study of caterpillars or butterflies as a “hey we are reading about the thing we studied” book.
With all that said, I did enjoy this kooky caterpillar. It is very much a typical kid (or adult) who wants that something “right now” and must wait. The art is kooky, too, with amazingly bright colors and the right amount of details. The cartoon aspect works for being a story but would not have worked as easily with a more non-fiction book.
The text is a little adult, allowing book parent/teacher/adult reader to enjoy the language and the kids will enjoy the antics.