  | Becoming Charley Author: DiPucchio, Kelly | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Unlike all the other caterpillars Charley sometimes wonders what it would be like to be a fawn or a waterfall, so when the day comes to form her chrysalis, Charley must decide who she will become.
| Illustrator: | Wise, Loveis |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (03/15/23)
School Library Journal (04/01/23)
Booklist (05/01/23)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/05/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 05/01/2023 Charley understands what young caterpillars are supposed to do: put their heads down and consume as much milkweed as possible. There are so many interesting things to see, though! Charley wants to look at trees, wildflowers, mountains, stars, clouds, waterfalls, and the sea. His mission, however, is clear: eat, form a chrysalis, and develop into an orange and black Monarch butterfly. Digital illustrations vividly portray Charley’s desire to do things differently. The other caterpillars do as they are instructed and do not seem to mind. They all successfully emerge from their chrysalises, but Charley requires a bit more time in his. An elder is afraid Charley won’t make it, until suddenly a new butterfly emerges from Charley's chrysalis and unfurls its wings, uniquely colorful and reflecting all the things Charley loves. As children decide who they are going to be, this story invites them to recognize that there may be more than one path to follow. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 04/01/2023 PreS-Gr 2—This charming work tells the story of Charley, a caterpillar who looks to the skies as his friends keep their heads down to eat, exactly as they were taught. The young caterpillars spend their days learning the way of the butterfly; encouraged by the elders to "think black, think orange," and "eat your milkweed." Charley struggles to concentrate on the stern, repetitive expectations as the warm sun beckons him to discover the beauty that surrounds him in the wildflowers, mountains, and the turquoise sea. When the time comes for Charley to begin his metamorphosis, he fears failure, until he hears the song of a bluebird and channels the peaceful warmth of the sun and the calming twinkle of the stars. When Charley emerges, he has become everything he has ever loved. Readers will surely be drawn to the bright illustrations that evoke both the carefree mood of Charley and the rigidity of the elder butterflies. The variety of sizes and typefaces of text add interest to the story, while the pacing is compelling. VERDICT The underlying message, that it is okay to stray from what is expected, will delight young and old readers alike.—Ellen Kleber - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
