Author/Illustrator: Eveline Hasler/ Kathi Bhend
Publisher/Date: NorthSouth/2009
Genre/Audience: Fiction/Ages 3+
Themes: winter, seasons, bugs, change, friendship
Favorite Line: "I don't need food. All I need are dreams." (Caterpillar)
Synopsis: Five friends (a grub, 2 worms, a beetle, and a caterpillar) prepare for winter in their underground homes. They pass the time playing cards and sharing their stored food. The friends look after each other and are concerned when caterpillar isn't eating. She remarks, "I don't need food. All I need are dreams." This resonates with grub, who confesses, "In my dreams I can fly." As the ground warms and spring approaches, the friends have to deal with two seemingly tragic events, until they go above ground for the first time in months and see a different reality.
Why I Love This Book: The warm hues of the illustrations and the close-knit friendships of the characters drew me in. I love the otherworldly quality of the underground homes and the transcendental storyline. Reading this story feels like a dream, both strange and beautiful.
Resources:
Use "In My Dreams..." as a writing prompt. Imagine various animals, or even inanimate objects, finishing this statement.
Prairie Insects in Winter - Virtual Exhibit
Life Cycle of Butterflies and Moths
Use "In My Dreams..." as a writing prompt. Imagine various animals, or even inanimate objects, finishing this statement.
Prairie Insects in Winter - Virtual Exhibit
Life Cycle of Butterflies and Moths
For more links to Perfect Picture Books, a collection of bloggers who contribute at Susanna Leonard Hill’s site, click here.
I love the poetic style you describe for this book. The grub and I might have a lot in common! I will certainly look it up.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book...I love the front cover. Any book that educates children about God's fascinating creatures gets my vote. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou have me totally intrigued and eager to read this one, Laura.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so lovely, Laura! And very poetic. It seems like it would introduce kids to some factual knowledge about bugs in a very appealing way. Thanks so much for adding this one to our list!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of this book! And the story sounds intriguing. I will certainly be looking for this one. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWant to read this one. The title captured me before I read your review -- because I love flying in my dreams. But, this book is significant in so many ways. It's almost as if their dreams reveal their true destiny. And it is about life cycles.
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