The Dream Tree

Serendipity

by Stephen Cosgrove, Robin James (Illustrator)

Patti Caterpillar is eager to know what it would feel like to become a beautiful butterfly.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Animals, Art, Nature, Young Adult

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Hanim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in particular has very special meaning to me, and is one of the few books that sparked my interest in reading. My father used to read this book (amongst a few others) every night when I was little, and I in turn read it to my sister and brother as they grew up. Now my husband and I read this to our daughter at least once a week..

This is one of the most magical books EVER. I love this story for so many reasons - mostly to love yourself as you are and that things do change, and usually for the better.

This author (Stephen Cosgrove) is wonderful, I have not found a book of his I would not recommend. I still have the ORIGINAL copy, from the early 1980s! If you can find the collection series, with all the stories in one bind, I recommend it!

[Erin]

Okay, so, this bugged me even when I was a kid: are there any species of butterflies out there that reproduce while they're still caterpillars? Because seriously, how did Patty the caterpillar have a mother who was also a caterpillar? Shouldn't her mother have been a butterly?

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book about not spoiling the mysteries of life for someone else. Perfect for older preschoolers or young grades. One of my favorite thing about Cosgrove's books are the illustrations.

[Auggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to my son. His reaction? He slept through most of it, but when I'd finished, I glanced up and he was grinning.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

The words were interesting and very descriptive while the illustrations were a bit on an unequal part some of the other of the series.

The main things that threw me on this book was the fact that her mother was a caterpillar while it never said when she would change. And I also didn't like the fact that she said that she would tell all her friends after she became a butterfly what happened after the change but when she did she actually turned away the first caterpillar to ask her. You would think she may have said something to soothe the caterpillar instead of making him wonder.

[Mikana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and a sweet little story with morale. A wonderful story to share with your loved ones.

[Luise Bacher-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adult now, having had this book read to me as a child many, many years ago, I think of this book and remember that it was one of my favorite books. I read the other reviewers posting questions about the mother and how she was also a caterpillar, and how that was confusing, but as a child reading the book, yes, you think of those things too, but that just adds to the mystery and wonder of this book. The intuitive child will think of that and start asking questions. Others will just enjoy the words of the story.

I don't remember very many books that were read to me as a child, but this is one on that list of a very small number of children's books that I remember with fondness. That says something to me!

[Ikayuro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one seemed to fall a little short of the others - that's not to say that it isn't a wonderful story, but the ending just feels so anti-climactic and a little disheartening. The main character knew how it felt to be brushed aside and ignored, she makes a promise to be better than that, and then... doesn't. I dunno, it wasn't endearing to me. The artwork is lovely as usual, though!

[Brigette · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a younger person, the Serendipity series was my favorite! As an older person, I still enjoy reading these and plan on buying the ones I'm missing. These books are beautifully illustrated and written in an easy-to-read-but-not-childish manner. The Dream Tree, along with the other books in the series, has a moral to the story. This story is great for any age!

[Sharon George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I read so many times to my two girls who grew up way too fast.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly with a few inconsistencies. ( mother is a caterpillar too, and she builds a cocoon, not a chrysalis)

[Kelly Chesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book

[Robert Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very educational book 📙.

[Lemurkat · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the earlier Serendipity books (1974), this one left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied. I understand that it is a children's picture book, aimed at the 3-5 year old market, but how can a caterpillar's mother also be a caterpillar? Also, there was no clear moral message.

(From Wikipedia, this is the moral: Though it is sometimes hard to wait, growing up comes soon enough.)

The illustrations are no less charming, however, with the butterflies appearing very stylised and the colours nice and bright. The trees, in particular, James renders very well, and I shall have to use his works for inspiration on the details of trees of my own. And the writing style is still colourful and playful - "Leaves were her favourite things to writtgle over because they always tickled her tummy."

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand this book is supposed to be about "waiting to grow up" but I really felt the book could have ended better.
I also felt that the little caterpillar was completely justified in being upset about the first butterfly not answering her, the butterfly could have said something, anything, instead of ignoring her and flying off! It's very rude to ignore someone who is very clearly speaking to you, even if they are only a "child".

[Arwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A children's classic. A must read right up there with "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." The story is about a young caterpillar who wants to know what's it's like to be a butterfly. It's a lovely story with great illustrations, as always, by Robin James.

[Kimberley Mccaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

recommend to any child, one of my very favorite books growing up

[Erin McCarty · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://www.epinions.com/content_44062...

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

great little story that definitely sparks an interest in my little girl's imagination.

[Thewildjamman]

Can we buy books here and if so how?

[Ashlyn Barker-Salyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about a caterpillar wondering what being a butterfly feels like. It's very descriptive language and would be good for science lessons.

[Jamie Tedesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, vivid story about a caterpillar that is discovering that he will one day be a butterfly. The picture were great at showing depth and point of view.

[Rose Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good for teaching about metamorphosis; however, it uses cocoon when it should use chrysalis. Moths come out of cocoons. The author has a wonderful way with words/language.

[Natalie Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great story about a the secret of becoming a butterfly. This would work for all grades.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never get tired of these books, they are some of the best story time choices for kids of all ages.

[Missy Obergefell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun to read aloud. Family favorite.
"Someday you'll know,..."

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book great art work!