Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A caterpillar's sweet tale of change and self-discovery
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
PAPILIO is about the science of metamorphosis and the social-emotional challenges of change. This picture book stars the character Papilio, eventually a black swallowtail butterfly or papilio polyxenes, as scientifically labeled on the front jacket flap. Her story emerges in three chapters, each featuring a different stage in her development from caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly. At every stage, there are new challenges. For example, she must figure out how to feed herself as a caterpillar, adjust to becoming a "goo" in her cocoon, and finally learn to fly as a butterfly. Throughout, a mouse appears to help her along. In the backmatter, there is "A Flutter of Facts" to provide some additional information as well as an Authors' Note about how the three friends and author-illustrators came together to collaborate on this book.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet picture book blends the science of metamorphosis with social emotional learning to create a satisfying story about a caterpillar destined to become a black swallowtail butterfly. Pastel cartoon art carries three charming chapters of Papilio. Each chapter was created by a different author-illustrator, covering a different stage of development from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. That collaboration, described in an authors' note, adds another dimension to the book, modeling the benefits of teamwork. Lots of intriguing facts are blended into the storytelling, but social-emotional learning takes centerstage. Not simply an insect, the character Papilio is child-like with the capacity to think, feel, and make choices. As such, she proves a friendly guide and role model, navigating well the everyday challenges of childhood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Papilio and discuss what it means to grow and change. How have you changed in the last year?
Caterpillars go through metamorphosis to become butterflies. Can you think of any other animals that change forms as they go through life?
In the story, Papilio shows courage and perseverance when learning to fly. Have you had to use courage and/or perseverance to learn something new?
In the story, Papilio is curious about how she is changing and what she is becoming. What do you think about how you are growing and changing?
The three authors (and they are the illustrators, too) collaborated with each other to create this book. Have you had a chance work on a team to create something new?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrators : Ben Clanton , Corey R. Tabor , Andy Chou Musser
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Bugs ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : March 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : March 19, 2026
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