Official Review: The Very Loving Caterpillar by Sean Browne

Please use this sub-forum to discuss both middle-grade and younger children's books, including picture books, easy readers, and children's chapter books. Topics for books aimed at children 12 and under go in this forum.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
Post Reply
User avatar
bookowlie
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 9071
Joined: 25 Oct 2014, 09:52
Favorite Book: The Lost Continent
Currently Reading: The Night She Went Missing
Bookshelf Size: 442
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bookowlie.html
Latest Review: To Paint A Murder by E. J. Gandolfo

Official Review: The Very Loving Caterpillar by Sean Browne

Post by bookowlie »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Very Loving Caterpillar" by Sean Browne.]
Book Cover
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


The Very Loving Caterpillar is a children’s picture book written by Sean Browne and illustrated by Doan Trang. It is about a caterpillar who tries to save his family and friends from the changing conditions of the environment they live in. When the weather turns cold in their tropical habitat, it severely affects the caterpillars’ sources for shelter and their ability to communicate with each other. They become fearful and even start bickering out of anger and frustration.

I enjoyed this heartwarming story. There is a healthy dose of educational information mixed into an entertaining plot, with some fantasy thrown in for good measure. The concept of caterpillars being adversely impacted by the weather could spark a child’s interest in knowing more about this topic. The only issue I had regarding the blend of fact and fantasy is that it might confuse a child. The story starts off with some easy-to-understand information about the effects of a changing environment; once the plot veers off into the fantasy realm, kids might not understand what’s real vs. imagined.

The beautiful artwork in this book provides a nice complement to the storyline. The illustrator does a fine job displaying the caterpillars in their habitat, and I particularly liked the detailed expressions on the characters’ faces. The brightly colored pictures lend themselves well as a jumpstart to do crafts such as making a caterpillar out of paper or an egg carton.

The writing style is a bit sophisticated at times for a children’s book. Some of the word choices and phrasing are fairly advanced for a young child to comprehend, such as “a wave of frustration,” “deep despair,” and “in harmony.” The main character remains nameless throughout the story and is referred to only as “the very loving caterpillar.” It’s a sweet description, but I think kids might find it hard to relate to a character with no given name. This also gave an impersonal tone to the story.

Although there is a clear climax to the plot, the ending felt a little rushed. I would have preferred another page or two so that children could have a fuller explanation to wrap up the story.

I give this book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. It is a cute story suitable for children ages 3-7. I would recommend this short read as a good choice for library and classroom storytimes. It would be a nice addition to any young child’s bookshelf.

******
The Very Loving Caterpillar
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like bookowlie's review? Post a comment saying so!
"The best way out is always through" - Robert Frost
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11684
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

I love the cover. It sounds like a pretty good message. I think kids would be able to relate pretty easily. Thanks for the review.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
Maine Reader
Posts: 1
Joined: 22 May 2017, 09:26
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Maine Reader »

My daughter is almost 6 and loves to read and loves caterpillars. I bet she would like this book. She even has a stuffed animal caterpillar (in pastel rainbow colors).
User avatar
Amagine
Posts: 5441
Joined: 04 Mar 2017, 19:27
Favorite Author: James Patterson
Bookshelf Size: 721
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amagine.html
Latest Review: "Salome and Gogo visit Soweto" by Cora Groenewald
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG
fav_author_id: 3251

Post by Amagine »

I love children's books that mixes educational content into a work of fiction. I don't think I like how it can confuse a child because of the added fantasy in the book. I would prefer for it to be a fictional book that is realistic with real facts that children can learn from. In spite of that, this sounds like a great book! I love the premise of it.

Great Review! ?
"Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude." -A.A Milne

"I am grateful for all the books that sparked my imagination." -Unknown
Latest Review: "Salome and Gogo visit Soweto" by Cora Groenewald
User avatar
gali
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 53652
Joined: 22 Oct 2013, 07:12
Favorite Author: Agatha Christie
Currently Reading: The Suite Life
Bookshelf Size: 2287
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gali.html
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
Publishing Contest Votes: 0
fav_author_id: 2484

Post by gali »

Sounds cute! It is good that the author inserts educational information into the tale. Hopefully, it was done tastefully. Kids love nice drawings in their books, so it is good that the artwork is beautiful. Thank you for the great review!
A retired Admin/Mod

Pronouns: She/Her

"In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you." (Mortimer J. Adler)
User avatar
bookowlie
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 9071
Joined: 25 Oct 2014, 09:52
Favorite Book: The Lost Continent
Currently Reading: The Night She Went Missing
Bookshelf Size: 442
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bookowlie.html
Latest Review: To Paint A Murder by E. J. Gandolfo

Post by bookowlie »

Thanks everyone for the nice feedback! Gali - I really liked the illustrations in this book. Younger kids really respond to visual cues in stories and this book had pictures that tied in well with each part of the plot. Amagine - the premise is what made me decide to select it. Maine Reader - for some reason, all children loves books that have caterpillars in it! Kandscreely - the book has a nice positive message for kids. It's always good when a book can be educational in addition to being a fun read.
"The best way out is always through" - Robert Frost
User avatar
Nelson507
Posts: 1
Joined: 19 May 2017, 22:43
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Nelson507 »

My niece fears catterpillars though she really loves watching them. The cover is awesome and i love it
User avatar
LivreAmour217
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 2043
Joined: 02 Oct 2014, 12:42
Favorite Author: Too many to count
Favorite Book: Ditto
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 294
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-livreamour217.html
Latest Review: Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer

Post by LivreAmour217 »

This sounds like a sweet little book! My son and I both love caterpillars, so I get a copy even though it's for young children. Wonderful review!
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." - Albert Einstein
User avatar
bookowlie
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 9071
Joined: 25 Oct 2014, 09:52
Favorite Book: The Lost Continent
Currently Reading: The Night She Went Missing
Bookshelf Size: 442
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bookowlie.html
Latest Review: To Paint A Murder by E. J. Gandolfo

Post by bookowlie »

Thanks Livre for your kind words. I get a little grossed out by caterpillars, but kids sure love them!

Nelson507, I also loved the cover artwork.
"The best way out is always through" - Robert Frost
User avatar
Jaime Lync
Posts: 1426
Joined: 15 Mar 2017, 19:33
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 120
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jaime-lync.html
Latest Review: You Are A Christian. NOW WHAT? by James Rondinone

Post by Jaime Lync »

Wow, very insightful review. Some of those expressions you mentioned do seem too sophisticated for children but the earlier they are introduced to these things the better I guess. Thanks
User avatar
bookowlie
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 9071
Joined: 25 Oct 2014, 09:52
Favorite Book: The Lost Continent
Currently Reading: The Night She Went Missing
Bookshelf Size: 442
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bookowlie.html
Latest Review: To Paint A Murder by E. J. Gandolfo

Post by bookowlie »

Thanks Jaime for the nice feedback. :). You make a good point, that it might be helpful to expose kids to more advanced words. I just think it might be frustrating for them if they are very young.
"The best way out is always through" - Robert Frost
Flor26
Posts: 19
Joined: 17 May 2017, 15:32
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Flor26 »

It sounds like a great read.Thanks for the review.
User avatar
bookowlie
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 9071
Joined: 25 Oct 2014, 09:52
Favorite Book: The Lost Continent
Currently Reading: The Night She Went Missing
Bookshelf Size: 442
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bookowlie.html
Latest Review: To Paint A Murder by E. J. Gandolfo

Post by bookowlie »

Flor26 wrote:It sounds like a great read.Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the kind words. The book has a nice mix of educational info and a fun story.
"The best way out is always through" - Robert Frost
User avatar
Mmitseng Mothaedi
Posts: 1
Joined: 24 May 2017, 06:22
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Mmitseng Mothaedi »

nice 1 for kids
User avatar
Elaine5
Posts: 221
Joined: 19 Aug 2016, 15:58
Currently Reading: Great Expectations
Bookshelf Size: 47
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-elaine5.html
Latest Review: "The pact with the Devil" by Robert J. DeLuca

Post by Elaine5 »

Sounds like a good one! My own kids are likely a bit too old for this one but I love children's books so it's always nice to find a new one.
Latest Review: "The pact with the Devil" by Robert J. DeLuca
Post Reply

Return to “Children's Books”