Look out Very Hungry Caterpillar, there’s a new guy in town:
And he happens to be a very funny, impatient caterpillar.
One who wonders where all those other caterpillars are going…
Text/Illustrations ⓒRoss Burach
Metamorphosis??? Never heard of it!
text/illustrations ⓒRoss Burach
But once he’s told he can become a butterfly, he wants to be part of the action, too. Yes, he wants that set of wings RIGHT NOW!
But his buddy explains that he’s got to build his chrysalis first. Right. Oh, yeah. His buddy demonstrates, and our impatient friend frantically wants to know whether it’s more of a spin or a twirl. Ha!
Well, he figures it out, makes his chrysalis, and then asks his buddy (chrysalis to chrysalis):
“Now what?”
“Just be patient and let nature take its course.”
“Patience. Right. Right. I got this.”
Page turn
“Am I a butterfly yet?
No.
How about now?
No.
Now?
No. Be patient!
Suffice to say, this Very Impatient Caterpillar may not ever earn his wings.
When he finds out it will take two weeks, he becomes frantic inside his chrysalis. So frantic that he emerges in less than a day, looking slightly disheveled and still wingless. When he crash lands, he decides he’s got to take a new approach, one that includes being patient. So he wraps himself back up and tries again.
The spreads where he battles his impatience are epic and as entertaining as that book about the pigeon and the bus (you know the one).
Finally he figures out how to channel his inner yogi and makes it to his end goal. BUTTERFLY!
Only to find that his friends are now all winging their way somewhere else.
It’s called MIGRATION…..And yes, he wants to go, too!
Which leads us to his final question. Can you guess what it is?
A fantastic read aloud. Everyone will want to play the part of the very impatient caterpillar.
Resources/Activities:
Check out the life cycle images on this Butterfly Site
Make your own craft butterflies
Make origami butterflies
Pair this book with:
Title: The Very Impatient Caterpillar
Author/Illustrator: Ross Burach
Publisher: Scholastic, 2019
Ages: PreK-3rd grade
Themes: Metamorphosis, Patience
For more perfect picture books, visit Susanna Hill’s website.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
Thanks foe sharing, looks hilarious!
And so much fun for acting out. Kids will love it!
Ha I bet! And thanks for ignoring my typo. I need a crown made for being the typo queen lol
LOL, don’t we all!
😁
Wait a sec. if a caterpillar busts out early he can have a do-over? 😉
Well, I was cutting the author some slack because the caterpillar appears to last inside his chrysalis for about 10 seconds (we know he never gets past day 1) the first go round and never has the chance to digest itself. Although the spread shows him in the chrysalis having an impatient meltdown, the vignettes are not numbered in days the way they are when he successfully stays the full two weeks and emerges as a butterfly. But that is an excellent point. Maybe we should call this book The Very Suicidal Caterpillar when we read it with kids, saying “Is this book fiction or nonfiction?” “Does a caterpillar get a do-ver?” “Can being impatient cost you your life?” Wait, I was just channeling my very German mother…..
German mothers know their stuff!
This looks really cute! I loved the Elephant and Piggie waiting book too,
It’s sure to be a laugh riot. 😂
Some science + learning patience + humor = a really fun read-aloud that I’m sure kids, and adults, will love! Great choice! And I love the pairing (you know I have a thing for that;).
It’s a very good thing to have a thing for, as far as I’m concerned! I do think this one is a winner, in the classroom or at home. Cheers!
I found myself grinning during the review, never mind one for the kids, this is definitely one for the kids at heart!
Something tells me that you’re a very impatient caterpillar….in spirit.
I would not disagree with that statement.
I have this book sitting on my table to read. Now, I might need to put all else aside and read it.
Ha! Serendipity strikes! Guaranteed to make you smile.