The Reluctant Butterfly

by Debra Collett, Carrie Pearce (Illustrator)

Little Lou the caterpillar loves her world. She lives in a big garden with her best friend, Ladybug. As spring grows into summer, Little Lou munches away on the green leaves. But a chat with a butterfly makes her afraid. She discovers shes going to change, and little Lou doesnt want to change. She likes her life just the way it is.As summer turns to fall and fall into winter, Little Lou experiences the change the butterfly told her about. At times, she is scared and it isnt always easy, but she knows she can do it. With the help of her best friend, Ladybug, and some advice from the butterfly, Little Lou explores the values of true friendship, embracing change, and facing fears.Praise for The Reluctant ButterflyThe Reluctant Butterfly is a sweet story for young children about the inevitability of change and the importance of having others to rely on during difficult times. This gentle story can touch the hearts of adult readers, as well.Dr. Melody Green, author of seven published works, including The Instructors Manual to Accompany Crosscurrents of Childrens An Anthology of Texts and CriticismThe exquisite illustrations capture our imagination no, they take us beyond our imagination.Mary Beth Nebel, childrens book authority and owner of I Know You Like A Book bookstore in Peoria Heights, Illinois

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2013

About the author

Debra Collett has 2 works of poetry: Well-Behaved Sociopath, an emotional beatboard of a marital relationship that overcomes abuse, and Spangled Star Banter, an unapologetically Midwestern take on politics, family farms,& small town life.

A performance poet, Ms. Collett has taught poetry workshops in Illinois & New Mexico, & is the MC for The Aesthetic Underground, a small open mic which meets at the Peoria Contemporary Arts Center in Peoria, IL."

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway winner!

Three and half stars.

Wow, this book came in the mail right when I needed it. I needed the reminder that change, while sometimes painful and anxiety-causing, can ultimately bring about growth and good things in your future. I read it to my kids, even my teenager, and hope that they learned from this book, too.

I think that my favorite part of the illustrations is how, although the insects are painted in more of a fantasy style in most of the book, the very last illustrated page shows the insects portrayed realistically, flying off to somewhere new -- just a little peek at what they might look like if you came across them in a garden!

G

A favorite part of the text:
"But I don't want everything to change," complained the tiny caterpillar.
"Well, 'everything' doesn't change -- but you do." Butterfly continued, "The world will go on very much as it is...."
"Does it hurt?" asked Little Lou.
"Sometimes," answered Butterfly honestly. "But how scary it feels when you go through it depends a lot on you."

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The book is about change and even though it is scary it is something we all must face and during changes there are times when we must do something and times when we do nothing but let it happen, there are times when we must go through it alone and other times when friends and family will be there with us. I read this book to my four year old grandson and he enjoyed it as much as I did. The illustrations in this book are beautiful. This will definitely be a book I will read over and over as my grandchild grows

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a GoodReads giveaway.

This is such a sweet story but at the same time a great learning tool for young children about change. The story incorporates a butterfly and a ladybug into the life of Lou the caterpillar. Little Lou receives encouragement from both friends about the change that is expected and soon realizes that she must trust and depend on her "family" to get her through it. It sends the message that we all go through changes; some we want and some we don't but no matter what we don't have to go through it alone.

[Retha Cameron]

Little Lou is afraid of changing from a caterpillar into a butterfly. With the help of her best friend Ladybug, and advice from The Butterfly, she manages to conquer her fear and make the transformation.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and it is great little story that I am sure my grandkids will enjoy reading.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.

[Glenda Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reluctant Butterfly is a sweet story of a caterpillar who is afraid to change into a butterfly.With the encouragement of her friends she changes. A great story for all children.

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Would definitely recommend.