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Little Steps
Through the very short life-cycle of a caterpillar, we learn that life is difficult, yet precious. We get through life’s hardships, hurdles, obstacles, and struggles by just taking little steps.
- GenresChildrens
40 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2014
1 person is currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Hipp
3 books11 followersRyan Hipp writes and illustrates in a whimsical style. In 2012, Ryan was honored as the 2012 recipient of the Gwen Frostic Award – for work greatly impacting literacy in children. Ryan is the Illustrator Coordinator of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI-MI). Ryan is dedicated to helping kids achieve their goals and overcome life’s obstacles. He actively gives presentations on fostering creativity and inspiring and motivating young people. Ryan cares about animals, loves cartoons & comic books, science fiction & fantasy, collecting toys, playing classic video games, and skateboarding. Ryan's newest book LITTLE STEPS is a story of the difficult life of a caterpillar facing the world's struggles.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 9, 2013
A heartfelt picture book with more depth than one might assume.
A little caterpillar hatches and embarks on his own path through the struggles of life. His mother coaches and supports him along the way as he takes 'little steps' to overcome various hardships.
The illustrations are friendly, vibrant and emotional. Colors range from evocative and beautiful as sunsets to bright, energetic summer greens. Simple facial features do an excellent job of conveying the characters feelings. (I especially love the "Hatch!" illustration, which captures the exuberance and joy of new life in bright green and yellow. It's perfect!)
Finally, the book ends with hope as the little caterpillar becomes a butterfly. He embarks on his first flight with a serene expression and the fiery orange of his wings are positively royal against the turquoise of the sky.
A gentle introduction to the trials of life, but this book also has the ability to grow in sophistication depending on what the reader brings to it. Truly, a meaningful story for all ages.
A little caterpillar hatches and embarks on his own path through the struggles of life. His mother coaches and supports him along the way as he takes 'little steps' to overcome various hardships.
The illustrations are friendly, vibrant and emotional. Colors range from evocative and beautiful as sunsets to bright, energetic summer greens. Simple facial features do an excellent job of conveying the characters feelings. (I especially love the "Hatch!" illustration, which captures the exuberance and joy of new life in bright green and yellow. It's perfect!)
Finally, the book ends with hope as the little caterpillar becomes a butterfly. He embarks on his first flight with a serene expression and the fiery orange of his wings are positively royal against the turquoise of the sky.
A gentle introduction to the trials of life, but this book also has the ability to grow in sophistication depending on what the reader brings to it. Truly, a meaningful story for all ages.
August 5, 2014
**I won this book as a First Reads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review**
We received our book today, and my son was immediately engrossed with the artwork. The story itself was heartfelt. It's one of those that can apply to children or adults (Think Dr. Seuss, "Oh, The Places You Will Go.") Some of the book might have been a little over my kindergartener's head, but he didn't seem to notice or care. He was fascinated with the worm and the worm's journey, especially the ending. I can tell already this book will be added to our reading rotation.
7-3-14 - I have to edit my review and make this a 5-star book based on my kindergartener's reaction. He has asked me to read this book every night since we received it. Today, he asked if he could take it to school with him and show his friends. It is obviously a huge hit with him because normally we get MAYBE two nights in a row of a book, but never three and never a request to take it to school. I look forward to seeing more books from Mr. Hipp!
We received our book today, and my son was immediately engrossed with the artwork. The story itself was heartfelt. It's one of those that can apply to children or adults (Think Dr. Seuss, "Oh, The Places You Will Go.") Some of the book might have been a little over my kindergartener's head, but he didn't seem to notice or care. He was fascinated with the worm and the worm's journey, especially the ending. I can tell already this book will be added to our reading rotation.
7-3-14 - I have to edit my review and make this a 5-star book based on my kindergartener's reaction. He has asked me to read this book every night since we received it. Today, he asked if he could take it to school with him and show his friends. It is obviously a huge hit with him because normally we get MAYBE two nights in a row of a book, but never three and never a request to take it to school. I look forward to seeing more books from Mr. Hipp!
May 1, 2015
My thanks to Ryan Hipp and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for my copy of Little Steps.
Little Steps gives small children a delightful short story to enjoy about the steps a butterfly goes through to move from an egg to a butterfly. It also shows children a way to tackle problems and face difficulties and overcome them by taking little steps to solve a problem. This is a good strategy to teach children about problem solving and also how to handle their emotions when they face a problem. The beauty of the book is that the adult can control the lessons by the open-ended questions that are asked during the reading. The preschoolers I read it to loved the book and I could tell because they asked for it again.
Little Steps gives small children a delightful short story to enjoy about the steps a butterfly goes through to move from an egg to a butterfly. It also shows children a way to tackle problems and face difficulties and overcome them by taking little steps to solve a problem. This is a good strategy to teach children about problem solving and also how to handle their emotions when they face a problem. The beauty of the book is that the adult can control the lessons by the open-ended questions that are asked during the reading. The preschoolers I read it to loved the book and I could tell because they asked for it again.
July 2, 2014
I won this through First Reads Giveaway. I was so happy to receive this book. When I got it there were 2 books. I gave my daughter them and she was so excited she went and started reading it. First things first she totally loved the book and we both thought the graphics were just cute. Since she got it she's read it 3 times. She even told me the 2nd copy she was going to give to one of her friends. So I'm definitely giving this book 5 stars because it really is a cute book. And I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone with kids.
May 14, 2014
A great story for kids and adults alike!
July 3, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads Firstreads drawing.
A fairly good children's book, more than a little reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's "Oh The Places You'll Go." The illustrations are pretty good too.
A fairly good children's book, more than a little reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's "Oh The Places You'll Go." The illustrations are pretty good too.
March 13, 2018
Fantasy
One unique feature of this book is that the author is relating the story of the caterpillar to real life. The colors are also very beautiful.
I would use this book in a K-2 classroom. But I think it also has potential to be used in higher grades because of the great life lesson.
One unique feature of this book is that the author is relating the story of the caterpillar to real life. The colors are also very beautiful.
I would use this book in a K-2 classroom. But I think it also has potential to be used in higher grades because of the great life lesson.
September 1, 2015
Little Steps was very popular with the group of preschool children that I read it to recently. Plus it gave them a lesson on how a butterfly grows from an egg to a butterfly in this delightful story.
My daughter let me borrow her copy that she won on Goodreads First Reads Giveaway so my thanks to her for sharing and to the author, Ryan Hipp and Goodreads First Reads for making this excellent children's book available.
My daughter let me borrow her copy that she won on Goodreads First Reads Giveaway so my thanks to her for sharing and to the author, Ryan Hipp and Goodreads First Reads for making this excellent children's book available.
August 14, 2014
Get yourself a copy of this superb book and read the foreword to see why I give this 5 stars. Seriously; just do it. Those are my words there :)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews