Becoming Charley

Convention is upended in this striking tale of individuality and change.

In this be-yourself story by DiPucchio (Not Yeti), Charley may look like the rest of the monarch caterpillars around him, but while the others "kept their heads down, eating, just as they'd been taught," Charley gazes dreamily up at the trees, the clouds, and the stars. His elders urge him to munch milkweed, the better to become "a big, strong butterfly," but Charley wonders about being "a spotted fawn. Or a waterfall." Part of the young caterpillars' lesson is to gaze at monarch-patterned cards so they'll know how to model themselves; Charley concentrates, instead, on wildflowers and mountains. Boldly hued digital spreads by Wise (Magnolia Flower) create a graphically simple caterpillar's-eye view that's loosely faithful to the natural world, highlighting monarch caterpillar coloration and the milkweed's starry compound flowers. After the chrysalises of Charley's cohort finally hatch and Charley isn't among them, a final surprise reveals his new form, which reflects the character's creativity as a young caterpillar. The idea that experiences and expectations shape creatures as they grow is gently and colorfully suggested, though, for the youngest readers, the difference between which elements are invented and which are fact may not be intuitively clear. Ages 3-7. Agent (for author and illustrator): Steven Malk, Writers House. (May)

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

Playful and gentle. —The Bulletin