Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

I love the whimsical illustrations in this book! It is a very sweet story about a caterpillar and a butterfly and the different kinds of transformations they each make. It introduces readers to some good vocabulary. It also inspires kids to dream.

This enchanting children’s book offers a story of transformation with stunning watercolor illustrations that captivate the imagination. The artwork evolves beautifully alongside the narrative, beginning with lush greens that gradually bloom into a kaleidoscope of colors, mirroring the caterpillar’s journey. One particularly clever detail is the way the side image gradually zooms out as the story progresses, offering a subtle visual cue that there is always more to life than meets the eye—a perfect complement to the theme of metamorphosis.

At its core, the story is an exploration of change and self-discovery. Caterpillar’s instinctive “chryzzaling” feeling—a whimsical term that will delight young readers—speaks to the experience of growth and the uncertainty it brings. While Worm is a supportive friend at the beginning of the tale, he is skeptical and a bit mean to Caterpillar as he decides that he needs a change and then misses the grand moment of caterpillar’s emergence as a butterfly. I liked that Caterpillar stayed true to his wants and needs and didn't take what Worm thinks to heart, and I think that is a good lesson for younger readers.

The book’s text is simple, making it accessible for younger children while still offering layers of meaning for older readers. Its message—to trust your instincts, embrace change, and find the courage to soar to new heights—is conveyed with an elegance that will resonate with both children and adults alike.

Overall, this is a delightful read that blends artistry, emotion, and inspiration. It’s a perfect choice for storytime or as a gift for a young reader.

Review will post closer to release date (March 6)

A thoughtful Caterpillar "chryssals" and muses on the deeper meaning of metamorphosis, while Worm is skeptical. A completely charming take on the caterpillar-to-butterfly transformation, with lovely illustrations.

Thank you NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for this E-ARC of "Caterpillar Chryzzle" by Andrew Bond, releasing March 11, 2025!

The illustrations in this book are really nice. This would be a great addition to a classroom library to read while studying butterfly life cycles or for any home or public libraries!

Defintely check out this book when it releases!

Was beim Blick ins buch als erstes auffällt: alles ist grün. Die Raupe, die Gräser, aber auch die Blumen.

Was heraussticht ist Herr Wurm. Ein braun gestreifter Regenwurm mit einer großen Brille.

Raupe und Regenwurm sind gute Freunde. Viele Wochen lang im Sommer bis sich die Raupe plötzlich an einen Stengel hängt und nicht mehr loslässt.

Komisch, wie der Regenwurm findet. Lächerlich fast. Doch die Raupe, sie hält daran fest. Irgendetwas in ihr fühlt sich an, als würde das richtig und wichtig und als würde sich bald etwas ändern.

Als die Raupe dann noch vom Fliegen spricht hat der Wurm endgültig genug und lässt die verpuppte Raupe zurück.

Und verpasst: aus der Raupe wird ein Schmetterling.

Eine Geschichte, erzählt von Andrew Bond, vom Mut anders zu sein und dazu zu stehen, woran man glaubt und was sich richtig anfühlt.

Die Illustrationen von Julie Völk sind eine Mischung aus reduziert und viele feine Details. Auf viel Weißraum sind einzelne Elemente zwischen Realismus und jede Menge Fantasie.

The illustrations are beautiful and the underlying story line is good. But I don't think all kids will understand it. Maybe if there were facts at the end about how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.
I liked the theme of believing in yourself and conquering your dreams as caterpillar turns into a butterfly.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

The illustrations in this book are wonderful and whimsical! I loved how different they are from other children's books, yet still youthful enough to draw kids into the story. I particularly enjoyed the use of watercolors and doodles. The best part of the illustrations is how we start with a stalk, and with each page, the picture grows more and more, zooming out to reveal a bigger world around that tiny stalk.

The text of the book was difficult for me as an adult to get through. It almost reads like a poem rather than a story. While I do love the meaning behind the story—how we need to be patient and trust our inner instincts—the message falls flat due to the strange use of words. It feels more like a storybook written for adults than one intended for children.

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrew Bond, and NorthSouth Books Inc for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Join the caterpillar as it becomes a chrysalis and transforms into a butterfly. The story is about believing in yourself to transform, learn and discover new things. The story is very brief. The illustrations are wonderful and I enjoyed how each image zoomed out to give you a look at the larger area where the caterpillar was residing, and how it could navigate the larger space after transforming.

Caterpillar Chryzzle is a cute and educational story about the metamorphosis of a butterfly. Although the story doesn't start at the first stage (egg) of the metamorphosis, it still was an entertaining story regarding the science of butterflies.

I felt that the illustrations could have been "smoother." They just look like stick art at the moment and it might have an impact on how the story is perceived.

In any event, Caterpillar Chryzzle is a good picture book with a very fun and educational story. Three stars.

I was invited to read a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

This book was really simple, but I enjoyed reading it! It also has a really heartwarming and important message. I think that many young readers will read this book and understand this message, which will allow them to apply it to their own lives. This is absolutely crucial, especially because the message is to trust your heart/gut/feelings and do what feels right for you. The illustrator definitely took this message and let it shine through in each and every picture, which made this book that much better. They used soft colors, bold lines, and all of this worked together to make a visually perfect book. The writing worked with it as well, and brought everything full-circle.

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous. I love how zoomed in the scenes start and as the caterpillar chrysalises the scenes zoom out to match his new perspective. A fun read and a beautiful message even though the rhyming was not intuitive.

I received an advance review copy for free from the publisher via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely LOVED this book, its therapeutic impact and the fabulous illustrations as well. Excellent for teachers, therapists, school counselors, and families too!

A cute story about change with lovely illustrations, this one will appeal to young children. Thank you, North South Books, for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

This book carefully illustrates and narrates the life cycle of a caterpillar. It is short and sweet for a child.

Caterpillar Chyryzzle by Andrew Bond with artwork by Julie Volk, is a deceptively simple little picture book with the potential to foster big discussions among its young readers. The artwork is absolutely delightful, and the more one looks at it, the more funny little details there are to find. The book can work with a wide range of young children, from preschoolers to upper elementary, due to the whimsical artwork coupled with the simple yet profound subject matter of transformation and change. There is a great deal to unpack in a book with so few words.

Many thanks to NetGalley, North/South Books, and the author and illustrator for the chance to read and review this e-galley.