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About The Book

This charming and timeless tale of a beetle searching for a missing friend gently shows that true friendship endures through even the biggest of changes.

Beetle and Caterpillar are best friends. Every day, they sit together on a big rock, sharing a picnic and looking out over the forest. But one day, Caterpillar goes missing and Beetle cannot find her.

Beetle sets out on a long journey through the forest, but Caterpillar is nowhere to be seen. Beetle’s just about to give up when a friendly (and rather familiar) butterfly appears out of nowhere. Can it be Beetle’s friend? She may look different, but the love they feel for one another is the same as ever.

About The Author

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is originally from Bradford, UK, and studied illustration and graphic design at Bradford College of Art. In 2000, he moved to France where, amongst other things, he was an English teacher before working in newspaper layout and design. When his children were small he realized he loved the picture books he read to them, sometimes even more than his children did—the picture book bug had truly bitten. Chris has since written and illustrated several books and is currently thinking about the next one, probably with a cuppa in hand at home near Limoges. He likes listening to and making music, wandering around the countryside, a bit of running, and riding a bike. His favorite season is autumn and his favorite color is green.

About The Illustrator

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is originally from Bradford, UK, and studied illustration and graphic design at Bradford College of Art. In 2000, he moved to France where, amongst other things, he was an English teacher before working in newspaper layout and design. When his children were small he realized he loved the picture books he read to them, sometimes even more than his children did—the picture book bug had truly bitten. Chris has since written and illustrated several books and is currently thinking about the next one, probably with a cuppa in hand at home near Limoges. He likes listening to and making music, wandering around the countryside, a bit of running, and riding a bike. His favorite season is autumn and his favorite color is green.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (March 9, 2021)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534481015
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 4 - 8
  • Lexile ® AD540L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Awards and Honors

  • Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection Title

Resources and Downloads

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