From Publishers Weekly
An adventurous caterpillar unassumingly leads readers on an afternoon excursion through a backyard, unveiling nature's sights and sounds from a larva's perspective. Measured in caterpillar steps the journey is long, and before reaching the yard's end, it's time to sleep, with fireflies and bats visible in the night sky. This gentle tale is far from quiet, however--among other things, "bees hum," "wings flap" and "moles scratch." An array of vibrant verbs and boisterous onomatopoeic words in bold black type bounce across the pages, describing the various creatures ("zip, zap, tongues snap" accompanies fly-catching frogs). Fleming's textured paper and bold, almost neon hues are a perfect match for her rough-hewn animal shapes and blades of grass. The ultimate kaleidoscope effect makes this title ideal for sharing with young explorers. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K-- Bold, bright, stylized collage illustrations capture the eye and the imagination as they depict the simple, rhyming text of this outstanding nature tale. From a caterpillar's point-of-view, children see the many happenings in the tall, tall grass: "crunch, munch, caterpillars lunch/dart, dip, hummingbirds sip" etc. Bees and birds, ants and snakes are among the daytime inhabitants. Then, with the "stars bright, moonlight" come nocturnal fireflies and bats: "good night, tall, tall grass." The childlike illustrations were created by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils, resulting in remarkable images. Colors--shaded and varied--range full spectrum, deep and true through sunny yellow, cobalt, plum, a dozen shades of green. On each double page appears the blue-eyed, yellow-with-orange-spots caterpillar, always in proper perspective to the other creatures. Two-year-olds (and even younger) will enjoy the rhyme and rhythm, three-year-olds exploring numbers will love counting insects, four-year-olds--who are sure they can "read"--will experience success after a few listenings, and adults won't mind the request, "Read it again, please." A real charmer. --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NB
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
