Out of Nowhere

Starred review from January 1, 2021

PreS-K-In this gentle story about the value of friendship, a red caterpillar becomes a surprising companion to a beetle. They spend many idyllic days together, until the caterpillar suddenly disappears. Spotting something red in the distance, the beetle embarks on an ambitious trek to find their friend. The quest proves fruitless until the caterpillar-now transformed into a butterfly-finds the beetle instead. Happily, they resume their comforting daily routine. Large scale black-and-white pencil illustrations with pops of red are visually striking, and the straightforward prose makes for an appealing read-aloud. The story deftly conveys affirming themes of caring and acceptance, as the beetle loves the caterpillar/butterfly unconditionally. Too, the beetle's journey opens the door to valuable discussions about emotions, relationships, and how to react to change. VERDICT Comforting and emotionally resonant with a great deal of charm, this is a first purchase for picture book collections.-Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Lib., CA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2021
An insect bravely journeys to keep a fledgling friendship alive in this British import. A small, horned beetle lives on the ledge of a big rock. A caterpillar arrives "out of nowhere," and the two become friends. The beetle, who narrates, wakes up one morning to find its new friend gone, unaware that she now hangs just below the ledge in a fresh chrysalis. Grabbing a pair of binoculars, the beetle mistakes some faraway mushrooms for the caterpillar and bravely treks across the forest to find her--only to discover she isn't there. But then a butterfly arrives, and the beetle eventually recognizes its dear friend. The palette, primarily soft, textured grays, includes pops of red for the caterpillar and mushrooms, and the compositions are clean and uncluttered. The beetle is an endearing protagonist, overcoming fears to find the new friend: "The truth is, sometimes...I don't feel very strong at all." There's also humor in an impromptu song the beetle composes while traveling, all in an attempt to muster up some bravery--not to mention in the visual of the small beetle trekking across the forest with a basket on its back. The beetle's acceptance of the butterfly is genuinely touching. Her outward appearance--in effect, her identity--may have changed, but "it was my friend all the same." (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 75% of actual size.) A sweet and sincere primer on how to be a friend. (Picture book. 4-8)

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