School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-Two friends spend a lot of time together. One day, Bob (a caterpillar) looks up into the tree and decides he needs to climb. Otto (an earthworm) stays below, digging in the soil. At this point, Bob's story appears on the top of the pages, with Otto's below. Bob climbs, eats, and takes a nap in a cocoon while Otto eats and digs through the dirt. Bob emerges as a beautiful yellow butterfly. Otto becomes sad when he sees his friend, as he thinks that had he climbed the tree, he could have been a butterfly too, instead of being "Just a big-fat-worm." Luckily, Bob's a clever pal and he knows that Otto is aerating the soil, helping the tree to grow, and providing food for Bob. The story is a good vehicle for showing that friends don't always have to do the same things, and that their actions can complement one another's. Bright, vibrant illustrations on full spreads enhance the satisfying story, which would be perfect for introducing spring science units.-Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
A father-and-son team has created a delightful tale celebrating the relationship of an unlikely twosome who manage to find the strength in their partnership. On the surface, Bob the caterpillar and Otto the earthworm are bosom buddies, playing together and digging in the ground as though they were the same species. But when instincts propel them to change their routine, the two find themselves on completely different paths. Says Otto, "Life is good just where we are. Why would you want to go up there?"/"Because it's important," said Bob. And up the tree he went." Nick Bruel (Bad Kitty) lets readers see the simultaneous changes taking place via a split-screen format, which aptly contrasts their different work styles. An accessible introduction to the processes of nature, as well as a fitting tribute to enduring friendship. Ages 3-6. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved