Evaluation

The cutout pictures and collage effect truly reminded me of Eric Carle’s multiple children’s books. However, this book is different in that it labels all of the plant and flower cutouts that the caterpillar encounters with specific scientific names.  Although the names may be too complicated for many preschoolers and kindergarteners, it is a perfect book for children who are fascinated by science and are in need of a challenge. Nevertheless, it is still a great book to use within the classroom. Students can color and create their own ten little caterpillar booklet. The teacher may also decide to use this book as a precursor to a butterfly lesson. If the teacher is extremely adventurous, she may set up a science station where the students can watch a real caterpillar slowly turn into a butterfly. I remember watching this experiment when I was younger and completing an observation journal with my classmates. It was a fabulous hands-on science experiment and great for students who are visual/tactile learners.