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The Very Impatient Caterpillar
Last updated Friday, November 7, 2025
Author: Ross Burach
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 1338289411
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2025
Synopsis:
"HEY! What are you guys doing?"
"We're going to metamorphosize."
"Meta-WHAT-now?"
"Transform into butterflies."
"Right. Right. I knew that... WAIT?! You're telling me I can become a BUTTERFLY?"
"Yes."
"With wings?"
"Yes."
"Wait for ME!!"
Ross Burach's hilarious, tongue-in-cheek exploration of metamorphosis will make you flutter with glee, while also providing real facts about how caterpillars transform into butterflies.
| Note to readers: |
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Highlight the benefits of patience with this funny and bold story. By the end of the reading session, they can think of it as a super power!
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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When do you feel most impatient? How can you tell? Describe how you behave.
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What do you think the caterpillar is impatient about? Can you guess how long it takes for a caterpillar to become a butterfly? (answer: 10-15 days depending on the species)
Vocabulary:
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Impatient: not being able to wait calmly for something
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Metamorphis: a big change in the shape or body of an animal as it grows up
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Chrysalis:a hard shell that a caterpillar forms around itself to transform into a butterfly
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Transform: to change something completely into something different
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What can help impatient caterpillar have an easier time waiting?
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Why is patience a good thing to have?
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When can you practice being patient? During what kinds of activities?
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What surprised you about this story?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Use pipe cleaners aka Chenille stem as antennae and/or create a butterfly ring to wear
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Use popsicle stick and fold 2 pieces of paper into a fan to use as wings
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Use paper plate as wings on a paper bag to create or draw a butterfly
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Cut out butterflies and flowers for kids to color
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| Special activities: |
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Use butterflies and flowers from craft for a game. Stick all the flowers on the walls. Divide your group into two or three teams. Give each player a butterfly. Children must stick their butterfly on the corresponding flower as quickly as possible (e.g. "stick your butterfly on large or specific colored flowers")
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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