One is imprisoned in a jar ("The sixth little caterpillar was carried off to school"), three are potential meals, and only one becomes a butterfly. But it's the frequently unsalubrious fates of the caterpillars that are most striking. What's more, the 10 caterpillars are no carbon copies: each is modeled on a different species (a handsome visual glossary details feeding habits and provides examples of the butterflies or moths they eventually become). Martin's words shape 10 vignettes, inspiring Ehlert to survey the world of backyard nature (unobtrusive labels identify flora and fauna). Readers can't be blamed for seeing this as a companion to Eric Carle's classic caterpillar tale%E2%80%94after all, the characters share membership in the Lepidoptera order and a highly stylized, vibrantly handmade aesthetic. Originally issued in 1967 with different illustrations, Martin's caterpillar counting rhyme has been given new life with gorgeous and bold watercolor collages from his Chicka Chicka Boom Boom collaborator, Ehlert.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |