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How Beautiful
A stunningly illustrated picture book about a curious caterpillar searching for the true meaning of the word “beautiful.” But is there one true meaning—or many?
A caterpillar lives a simple life on his leaf until one day, an UnKnown Thing picks him up and calls him beautiful. A question forms in the caterpillar’s mind: “What is beautiful?”
So begins a quest to discover the true meaning of the word beautiful. Much to the caterpillar’s surprise, each animal in the forest has their own unique definition:
A bear declares that honeycomb is beautiful!
The squirrels say leaves are beautiful!
A mole says his burrow is beautiful!
What’s a caterpillar to do?
How Beautiful offers kids an immersive, memorable experience.
Elaborate and vivid illustrations by Melissa Castrillón, author of Yellow Kayak and If I Had a Little Dream, combine with a sweet, central message:
*Beauty is as diverse as we are.
*“Beautiful” means something different to everyone, and that’s okay!
*The beauty of the natural world is worth celebrating!
A caterpillar lives a simple life on his leaf until one day, an UnKnown Thing picks him up and calls him beautiful. A question forms in the caterpillar’s mind: “What is beautiful?”
So begins a quest to discover the true meaning of the word beautiful. Much to the caterpillar’s surprise, each animal in the forest has their own unique definition:
A bear declares that honeycomb is beautiful!
The squirrels say leaves are beautiful!
A mole says his burrow is beautiful!
What’s a caterpillar to do?
How Beautiful offers kids an immersive, memorable experience.
Elaborate and vivid illustrations by Melissa Castrillón, author of Yellow Kayak and If I Had a Little Dream, combine with a sweet, central message:
*Beauty is as diverse as we are.
*“Beautiful” means something different to everyone, and that’s okay!
*The beauty of the natural world is worth celebrating!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 23, 2017
1 person is currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Antonella Capetti
5 books3 followersAntonella Capetti was born in Grosio, a small town in Northern Italy. She started reading before she was five and hasn't stopped since. A longtime primary school teacher in Italy, she is passionate about picture books. How Beautiful is her first book translated into English. She currently resides near Como, in Norhtern Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 3, 2023
A small and very cute caterpillar is noticed by a child, ‘You’re beautiful’ exclaims the child! The little caterpillar sets off to find out what this word means. The little caterpillar finds out that there are many different types of beautiful and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
The title of this book is extremely fitting for these illustrations! They are incredibly beautiful, a gorgeous colour palate of blues, peach, red and gold show wonderful woodland scenes with very endearing animals. This illustrator has a beautifully unique style when it comes to flora and fauna, the twisting tendrils, elaborate flowers, picturesque leaves and branches twine around every scene making this a joy to look through.
Perfect reading for little nature lovers!
The title of this book is extremely fitting for these illustrations! They are incredibly beautiful, a gorgeous colour palate of blues, peach, red and gold show wonderful woodland scenes with very endearing animals. This illustrator has a beautifully unique style when it comes to flora and fauna, the twisting tendrils, elaborate flowers, picturesque leaves and branches twine around every scene making this a joy to look through.
Perfect reading for little nature lovers!
January 10, 2022
Lovely artwork and a good story for kids, this was a great short read! 5 ⭐
November 4, 2021
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
How many times have we heard that? Well, it's true. And this sweet little picture book proves it.
An adorable caterpillar lives a simple life until, one day, someone picks him up and calls him beautiful. This sets him off on a quest to figure out what "beautiful" really means. But everyone he asks has a different answer. They can't all be right... or can they?
The illustrations in this book, done in a limited colour palette, are very sweet. (I've read Castrillón's Yellow Kayak , but didn't enjoy those illustrations nearly as much as the ones here.) The caterpillar himself is really cute, contrasting with the grumpy-looking blackbird who's always pooh-poohing everybody else's concept of beauty. The story is simple, but thought provoking.
This is a strong picture book. Check it out for the charming illustrations and poignant message.
How many times have we heard that? Well, it's true. And this sweet little picture book proves it.
An adorable caterpillar lives a simple life until, one day, someone picks him up and calls him beautiful. This sets him off on a quest to figure out what "beautiful" really means. But everyone he asks has a different answer. They can't all be right... or can they?
The illustrations in this book, done in a limited colour palette, are very sweet. (I've read Castrillón's Yellow Kayak , but didn't enjoy those illustrations nearly as much as the ones here.) The caterpillar himself is really cute, contrasting with the grumpy-looking blackbird who's always pooh-poohing everybody else's concept of beauty. The story is simple, but thought provoking.
This is a strong picture book. Check it out for the charming illustrations and poignant message.
April 20, 2021
An ingenious and enchanting story about diversity and beauty.
We see an inquisitive Caterpillar ponder the concept and meaning of ‘beauty’. He realises that beauty can be interpreted in various ways, and hold different meanings, there is no ‘right answer’.
This book is a great starting point for children to think about what they personally find beautiful, particularly in the natural world. It also addresses the fact that not everyone will think the same as you, other people will have varying opinions and that is ok, it is a great learning point for young children.
Thank you to Greystone Kids and Edelweiss+ for the e-arc to review.
We see an inquisitive Caterpillar ponder the concept and meaning of ‘beauty’. He realises that beauty can be interpreted in various ways, and hold different meanings, there is no ‘right answer’.
This book is a great starting point for children to think about what they personally find beautiful, particularly in the natural world. It also addresses the fact that not everyone will think the same as you, other people will have varying opinions and that is ok, it is a great learning point for young children.
Thank you to Greystone Kids and Edelweiss+ for the e-arc to review.
November 2, 2021
In HOW BEAUTIFUL a caterpillar journeys through the forest in search of the meaning of the word beautiful by asking other animals what they think it means. But a pesky blackbird chirps in everytime disagreeing with what the other animals consider beautiful. Then when he's least expecting it the caterpillar notices that they all find the night sky beautiful, and he is contented, he finally realizes what beautiful truly means.
First of all this is one of the most gorgeously illustrated picture books I have ever read! The art and colors are so pleasing. My daughter wants to read this at least once a day and I'm more than happy to because not only is it such a pretty book but the message is such an important one for kids to learn. An absolutely wonderful way to show children that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And of course I loved how it is set in the forest. Simply stunning! This will be my go to book to gift at Christmas.
Thank You so much to @greystonekidsbooks for sending us this one, opinions are my own.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
First of all this is one of the most gorgeously illustrated picture books I have ever read! The art and colors are so pleasing. My daughter wants to read this at least once a day and I'm more than happy to because not only is it such a pretty book but the message is such an important one for kids to learn. An absolutely wonderful way to show children that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And of course I loved how it is set in the forest. Simply stunning! This will be my go to book to gift at Christmas.
Thank You so much to @greystonekidsbooks for sending us this one, opinions are my own.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
December 8, 2021
A caterpillar is deemed "beautiful," and he sets out to discover what "beautiful" means. On and on he travels, asking every creature he meets, and each shares his own ideas of what "beautiful" is. But none of the definitions satisfy. Finally the caterpillar and the other creatures he meets experience the night sky and all can finally agree on the meaning of the word.
This book is...well, beautiful...in every way...text and illustrations...You will agree, I think. Even the argumentative blackbird would agree on this.
This book is...well, beautiful...in every way...text and illustrations...You will agree, I think. Even the argumentative blackbird would agree on this.
November 16, 2021
I kind of wish this offered a better answer, or at least the explination that different people find different things beautiful, not just "that's not beautiful, that's "
June 8, 2022
This poor little caterpillar is having an existential crisis over the definition of beauty.
And apparently, blackbirds have quite a negative viewpoint.
Unlike the blackbird, I liked that the other animals found beauty in items that were tasty, fun, comfortable...
And the illustrations are beautiful.
And apparently, blackbirds have quite a negative viewpoint.
Unlike the blackbird, I liked that the other animals found beauty in items that were tasty, fun, comfortable...
And the illustrations are beautiful.
June 15, 2022
Intriguing illustrations, but I was underwhelmed by the story.
August 31, 2025
This book was indeed a beautiful story about what it means for something to be beautiful, absolutely adore the art style!
November 3, 2021
Had the little caterpillar in this book asked me what beautiful is, I would have told it "This book that you're in right now is beautiful," because it really is. The illustrations are to-die-for gorgeous, in a delicious palette of purples, golds, and red-oranges, with a vintage feel and lots of detail to get lost in. The story is sweet- a little caterpillar encounters a giant creature, who looks at the caterpillar and says "How beautiful." The caterpillar doesn't know what beautiful means, though, so he asks the creatures he encounters and gets different answers- the bear says honey is beautiful, a trio of playful squirrels say the dry leaves they're playing in are beautiful, and so on. A blackbird follows the caterpillar on his quest, and disagrees with every answer- honey is tasty, not beautiful; dry leaves are fun, not beautiful. When it's the blackbird's turn to give an answer, the other animals disagree with it. How will the poor little caterpillar ever learn what beautiful means? After some time, he sees something that all the others see as well, something they all can agree is beautiful.
The story illustrates the old adage "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," showing that not everyone will think the same things, or feel the same ways about things in life, and that's okay. None of the animals were wrong, they just had different ideas about beauty. Acceptance of and respect for the ideas and feelings are important concepts for kids to learn, and this lovely book does a very good job teaching them.
The story illustrates the old adage "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," showing that not everyone will think the same things, or feel the same ways about things in life, and that's okay. None of the animals were wrong, they just had different ideas about beauty. Acceptance of and respect for the ideas and feelings are important concepts for kids to learn, and this lovely book does a very good job teaching them.
July 14, 2025
This was a wonderful find at the local library! So much so I might add it to our kiddo’s personal library. The smooth flow of the writing is impressive, especially as it’s translated originally from Italian. The amount of words on each page is not overwhelming for an itty bitty one, and illustrations are spectacular.
The book wrestles with the concept of beauty. What is beauty? Is it one thing or many things? I also interpreted it to deal with what I’d call “beauty snobs,” those who think they have a monopoly on defining beauty. One character continuously objects to anything anyone else finds beautiful. The message of the book is that beauty can be experienced through endless mediums and we can even come to agree on what is beautiful. I love children’s books that deal with philosophical concepts in a fun and age appropriate way.
Finally, this book especially shines through its gorgeous illustrations— fitting since it’s a book about beauty. The sketches are sweet and whimsical, and the use of color was stimulating for my little one. The artist almost singularly (yet tastefully) uses the complementary pairing of purple and orange. These two colors alone throughout the book evoke a warmth and curiosity that will have a child bright eyed.
Definitely recommend!
The book wrestles with the concept of beauty. What is beauty? Is it one thing or many things? I also interpreted it to deal with what I’d call “beauty snobs,” those who think they have a monopoly on defining beauty. One character continuously objects to anything anyone else finds beautiful. The message of the book is that beauty can be experienced through endless mediums and we can even come to agree on what is beautiful. I love children’s books that deal with philosophical concepts in a fun and age appropriate way.
Finally, this book especially shines through its gorgeous illustrations— fitting since it’s a book about beauty. The sketches are sweet and whimsical, and the use of color was stimulating for my little one. The artist almost singularly (yet tastefully) uses the complementary pairing of purple and orange. These two colors alone throughout the book evoke a warmth and curiosity that will have a child bright eyed.
Definitely recommend!
September 23, 2021
A captivating story of a caterpillar dead-set on understanding what the word "beautiful" means after a little girl discovers it and calls it beautiful. The caterpillar soon discovers that all the other animals have varied opinions on what is beautiful (and the crow has lots of opinions on what is NOT beautiful). So, what is it? What is "beautiful?" -- it's a question that the children reading this (or being read to) will ponder themselves.
I love the celebration of different perspectives and self-discovery. I also love the illustrations -- it's an interesting color palette and lots to look at on each page, which the style of a folktale. The repetitive style of narrative also makes for an engaging read. It all works nicely together and contains a lovely message.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Greystone Kids. Opinions are my own.
I love the celebration of different perspectives and self-discovery. I also love the illustrations -- it's an interesting color palette and lots to look at on each page, which the style of a folktale. The repetitive style of narrative also makes for an engaging read. It all works nicely together and contains a lovely message.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Greystone Kids. Opinions are my own.
April 24, 2021
Oh que oui c'est beau. Les illustrations de Melissa Castrillón sont toujours lieu d'émerveillement constant, de douceur et de rêverie. Et ici elle est servie par un des meilleurs scénarios qui soit. Ca paraît tout con mais c'est mignon comme tout, cette ballade parmi les animaux. Il faut découvrir tous ses livres. Pour les petites filles il faut sauter sur La prodigieuse Maïa et pour les amateurs d'urban jungle, Ma nouvelle maison.
March 25, 2022
The gorgeous artwork is important to this overtly philosophical exploration of beauty. Though the front cover flap insists that the moral of the story is that beauty "really is in the eye of the beholder," the text and images actually leave that as an open philosophical question. Other questions the book raises: Is beauty different from comfort and pleasure? Can natural and artificial things be equally beautiful? Can garbage be beautiful? Besides vision, what other senses can be engaged in an experience of beauty?
April 25, 2022
I feel like in a way the message of this book is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I personally feel like the blackbird negated that point by his statements. It feels like the message was more beauty is something that everyone can agree is beautiful.
The illustrations were different and I can't say I disliked them, it's just that with the story not doing it for me the illustrations can only contribute so much.
The illustrations were different and I can't say I disliked them, it's just that with the story not doing it for me the illustrations can only contribute so much.
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August 4, 2024Pretty book, but I'm not sure if the message 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' will come through. The blackbird has me convinced that all those useful, fun, etc. things are not beautiful... and I know better. Maybe there's a different message, that got lost in translation? I'm just glad that the caterpillar didn't learn that butterflies are the most beautiful thing of all.
Not a science book at all, btw.
Not a science book at all, btw.
March 19, 2022
A caterpillar tries to find out what being beautiful means. Various animals offer examples but none seem to be what beautiful really is. The caterpillar is discouraged as he was content until someone told him he was beautiful, and now, he is upset and wants answers. Finally, they all agree on something beautiful to end the book. The illustrations are lovely and well worth studying.
January 30, 2024
Loved this. Not only is it a good message that beautiful is means something different to everyone, but these illustrations are so pretty. 😍 😍
I also really liked that this isn’t one of those stories where the caterpillar has to become a butterfly “to be beautiful”.
Would absolutely buy for a tiny human.
I also really liked that this isn’t one of those stories where the caterpillar has to become a butterfly “to be beautiful”.
Would absolutely buy for a tiny human.
December 17, 2021
A tiny caterpillar searches for the meaning of the word "beautiful." A lovely story with absolutely gorgeous illustrations that have the feel of illuminated manuscripts of the middle ages. Each page demands to be lingered over.
February 9, 2022
This fabulously illustrated story is about a caterpillar trying to find out the meaning of "beautiful." Every animal he asks had a different answer - until they all agree in unison when they see something beautiful to them all.
November 16, 2021
This has that lovely cozy import feel.
November 20, 2021
I lovely story and beautiful illustrations.
November 23, 2021
3.5 stars
illustrations are stunningly 5-star, but the text is less stellar.
illustrations are stunningly 5-star, but the text is less stellar.
December 27, 2021
3.5 stars.
January 6, 2022
So beautiful and sweet! I really love this illustration style!
January 13, 2022
A unique visual feast.
January 19, 2022
How Beautiful!
February 7, 2022
Beautiful illustrations, really cute story. I was mesmerised by the details in the illustrations.
February 19, 2022
The art is gorgeous! A sweet story about a caterpillar who wants to know what beautiful means.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews