Bubba and Trixie [Hardcover]

Lisa Campbell Ernst (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Bubba the caterpillar is afraid to move off the plant where he was born. Then he meets Trixie, a ladybug who lives life to the fullest. Trixie encourages Bubba to leave his plant and his fears behind. The two become inseparable. Bubba is so happy, he hopes things will never change. He doesn't realize that a caterpillar is destined to change! Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 1. Bubba is a "nervous Nelly" caterpillar, afraid to leave his leaf, who meets Trixie, a crimped winged ladybug who knows no fear. The two become friends as Trixie takes Bubba off his leaf and teaches him to be careful and have fun in the garden below. Bubba decides, "I will build a house around myself...so tight that I could not possibly change" into a butterfly. This way everything will stay the same and Bubba and Trixie will always be friends. Of course, Bubba does become a butterfly and he takes Trixie flying. This didactic story of fear of change seems heavy-handed for the intended audience and lacks the humor found in the author's earlier titles. Illustrations rendered in a combination of pastel, ink, and pencil result in a matte appearance and Bubba, a "razzle dazzle" butterfly, lacks the luster readers will expect. Read Zinnia and Dot (Viking, 1992) or When Bluebell Sang (Bradbury, 1989) to discover Ernst at her best.?Susan M. Moore, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4^-7. Bubba is a caterpillar who is scared of his shadow. Trixie is a ladybug who isn't afraid of anything. It takes some doing, but Trixie gets Bubba off his parsley plant and shows him how to enjoy life--sliding down snapdragons and riding tiger lilies like bucking broncos. Bubba is enjoying life so much he refuses to believe that after the winter he will shed his skin and become a butterfly--besides, the thought of it scares him. But just as Trixie has helped Bubba in the past, she helps him deal with his transformation. Then, it is Bubba's turn to show Trixie something new--he takes her flying. This story of fear and friendship will strike a responsive chord with children, who instinctively understand how hard it can be to take the next step. The text is nicely written, if slightly padded. But the best part of the book is the pictures, generous spreads, shiny with sky blues and grass greens and featuring the two slightly goofy-looking but endearing friends. Ilene Cooper

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; 1st edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689813570
• ISBN-13: 978-0689813573
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,585,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bubba and Trixie, July 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Bubba and Trixie (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my 3-1/2 year old daughter. She absolutely adores this book. I have read it over and over and she just can't get enough! Some books you dread reading over and over, but this one I don't -- I actually enjoy reading it! I like it because it addresses many different issues, from every day fears to dealing with change, to friendship -- all issues that we deal with on a daily basis. I would highly recommend this book, it was awesome!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter loved this book., October 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bubba and Trixie (Hardcover)

Although my 3 year old loves the pictures and the characters in Bubba and Trixie, I know someday she will understand the meaning behind this wonderful story. I loved the story for it's message of being happy with yourself no matter what you look like or your abilities. An excellent story for those dealing with issues about self esteem.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good story nicely illustrated, November 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bubba and Trixie (Hardcover)

Bubba, the caterpillar, fears change. Trixie, a ladybug who can't fly befriends Bubba and helps him become less fearful. Bubba takes Trixie flying after his transformation into a butterfly. The story encapsulates how friends help each other, and learn to feel good about themselves in the process.