Charlie the Caterpillar
 Dom Deluise, Illust. Christopher Santoro
 (Guest Reviewer - Sandi von Pier)
 2001 Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster
  ISBN: 0671796070


This is the heartwarming story a caterpillar who no one will let play with them. Why? They say, “Because you are an ugly caterpillar!” Charlie doesn't understand.

When Charlie the Caterpillar is born, everything looks bright & beautiful, & Charlie feels happy to be alive. He decides to set out & see the world.

Guest Reviewer Sandi von Pier writes:

As Charlie wriggles his way about his world, he meets one group of animals after another, playing together & having fun. At each encounter, Charlie innocently asks if he might join in, & each time he gets the same reply: “No! Now giddadda here!” When Charlie asks why, he's told he's just an ugly caterpillar. At first Charlie is mystified, then hurt, then finally begins to feel ugly.

As winter approaches, our friendless Charlie sighs & spins himself a cocoon. When spring arrives, the cocoon opens & out comes Charlie -- now a beautiful butterfly.

Suddenly he's popular beyond his wildest dreams. Suddenly everyone wants him to be part of their group. But Charlie puts these fair-weather friends properly in their place in this heartwarming story about the meaning of true friendship.

I've always loved Charlie the Caterpillar -- he is charming, endearing & adorable. Read the book & you will see why I recommend it to parents with young children.

More from Dom Deluise: Goldilocks; Hansel and Gretel; King Bob's New Clothes; Dom Deluise's the Nightingale; Eat This...It'll Make You Feel Better: Mama's Italian Home Cooking and Other Favorites of Family and Friends & Eat This Too: It'll Also Make You Feel Better
(12/02/01)

Sandi von Pier
A RebeccasReads.com Guest Reviewer