The VERY Impatient Caterpillar, written by Ross Burach, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Neil M.
Summary: There’s a very impatient caterpillar who feels like he’s falling behind in his life and wants to catch up with his friends. He feels like he needs to be at the same level as his friends and is insecure about the fact he isn’t the same. He decides he needs to become and butterfly, yet he isn’t fully ready for it. He isn’t patient enough to get to the same level of maturity as his friends. He tries to read self-improvement books and tries to distract himself to get through the two weeks necessary to become a butterfly, and goes through a massive internal struggle in order to get through metamorphosis. Once he finally realizes he can do whatever he puts his mind to, he is finally ready to go through the necessary process. The book ends with a humorous twist.

Straight Talk for Librarians: I think this book can be used in conjunction with elementary science classes that explore metamorphosis. It has a good moral message about being patient and also believing in yourself. It adds an aspect to science that most science classes do not address. For emerging readers, this book can serve as a good example of the importance of believing in yourself despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The irony of the caterpillar has a phone and the caterpillars talking to each other as they go through metamorphosis makes the text relatable to emerging readers. They will appreciate the main character’s humorous actions and will appreciate the seeming annoyance perpetrated by the main character. The caterpillars are really an extended metaphor for people, and the main character represents a person who cannot seem to catch up with the world. He needs to believe in himself and learn his true potential. The art makes the caterpillars look like people, which really conveys the main message that the author is trying to get across. It has a cheery yet ironic look with the words being blocky and get bigger as voices get louder. Overall, this book has a great message with an even better portrayal of the message.