Synopsis
Speckles the spider and Crumbs the cricket think Katy the caterpillar is much too ugly to be their friend. But Annie the ant doesn t agree, and she and Katy become best friends. As Katy the caterpillar begins her strange transformation into a beautiful butterfly, her friend Annie is shocked and amazed. Speckles and Crumbs finally learn the true meaning of beauty and friendship and caterpillars.
In this inspiring and beautifully illustrated book, Sommer teaches the importance of respect for others, kindness, friendship, and the true meaning of beauty.
Laura Hummel - Children's Literature
Speckles the spider, Annie the ant, and Crumbs the cricket were playmates that lived near Crystal Lake. One day they discovered a tiny yellow egg. When a strange creature emerged, Crumbs thought it was funny looking and Speckles declared it to be ugly. Annie was horrified and Katy, the caterpillar was hurt. Annie became Katy's friend because her parents taught that you can not tell if someone is ugly just by their looks. What is inside, things like love, honesty, and goodness are important and are what make someone beautiful. The award-winning story relates a wonderful message while explaining the life cycle of a butterfly. Colorful carton-like illustrations with detailed facial expressions and antics are sure to appeal to children. The book belongs to the "Sommer-Time Story" series where each book promotes character education. Respect, honesty, cooperation, and perseverance are a few of the many virtues taught in the series. 2000, Advance Publishing, Ages 5 to 9.