Windness, Kaz. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends. Kaz Windness, Illustrator. Simon Spotlight, 01/2023. 64pp. Reader. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6659-2001-8. Paper $6.99. 978-1-6659-2000-1. GRADES 1–3. OUTSTANDING.
Worm loves being friends with Caterpillar, especially because he loves their similarities. Caterpillar tries multiple times to impart to Worm that they really are not as alike as Worm would like: “I have legs!” This Ready-to-Read Graphics book for the newer graphic novel reader excels in sharing this extraordinary friendship that endures big changes as Caterpillar transforms into Butterfly: Will Worm still like Butterfly? The expressive artwork supports the empathetic story, using warm pinks and blues and purples to convey the coming changes. Butterfly’s worries are swept away as Worm welcomes his friend back from his physical journey, expressing love no matter what his friend looks like.
Pauline Harris—San Francisco Public Library