The Centipede Who Wanted to Fly

About this book

In a mountain valley lived Centipede. He made his home in the carpet of leaves that lay beneath Katmon, a tree that stood alongside the stream that flowed through the valley. Every morning Centipede would greet his friend, Caterpillar, as they passed each other going to breakfast. But one day, Centipede noticed that Caterpillar had not greeted him as usual. Katmon told Centipede that Caterpillar had made herself a house on one of Katmon's branches and would be reborn. Centipede couldn't believe it; but when a beautiful butterfly emerged from Caterpillar's house, Centipede became jealous. He wanted to become a butterfly, too. As the story continues, Centipede learns an important lesson about jealousy and friendship."Al's writing is sweet and suspenseful at turns, and Centipede is an endearing but flawed character, making him a perfect protagonist.... this is an entertaining picture book that demonstrates the dangers of jealousy and the beauty of sacrificial love." - blueink Review"The author delivers a powerful story about envy, friendship, sacrifice, and acceptance through the appealing lens of everyday nature. Young readers will easily be able to track Centipede's negative assumptions and see how they shape his actions and relationships.... Frances provides pleasant, colorful, character-focused illustrations throughout, and she cleverly uses color to help tell the story...." - Kirkus Reviews