Author/Illustrator: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Publisher: S&S, 2021
Age: 4-8
Themes: best friends, beetles, metamorphosis
Opening: Once, I had a friend. She arrived out of nowhere one day. I asked where she’d come from, but she just didn’t know.
Summary: (from my library catalog) A beetle courageously sets out in search of his best friend–a caterpillar that arrived out of nowhere and vanished without warning.
I like this book because: I fell for the cover! I am a fan of metamorphosis stories, and a few are way up there with my favorite books. So, what did this offer that was unique? For one, THE COVER, but all the illustrations are beautifully composed, simple yet striking, and with a limited palette (if you’ve been reading any of my posts you know I go weak in the knees for a limited palette!). And the beetle has so much personality, you just wanna hug them! I am not posting spreads that go too far into the story – I don’t want to spoil the experience for anyone! Find it!
Resources/activities: first, read other metamorphosis stories, and please try my favorite: Tadpole’s Promise, Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross; Read a book with a limited palette similar to Out of Nowhere, like: Shadow by Suzy Lee; watch a video:
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
I’m also over at Vivian Kirkfield’s blog TOMORROW talking about I’M A HARE SO THERE! with a GIVEAWAY!
julie rowan-zoch 
Must get that book!
And PW – wow!!!
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We just got lucky!
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The concept reminds me of Farfellina & Marcel, but the art is very different. Will have to take a look. Thanks!
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And I need to look for Farfellina!
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Huzzah! Huzzah! For your book release this week, Rozo!
And I ADORE these Illustrations. Yes, that limited palette is so striking!
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I love your challenge to us — FIND IT! What a terrific book and I enjoyed the cute video. Love butterflies and what they represent! Wrote about the Monarch’s journey from Canada across Lake Erie, where they landed on the trees of the same farm year after year on their trek to Peru and Mexico.
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Maybe I should put Lake Erie on my bucket list! Where did you write about it?
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When you said the beetle has so much personality, you just wanna hug him, you won me over completely. I HAVE to read this book. The illustrations are captivating.
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Read Carrie Finison’s Don’t Hug Doug before you go out looking for a friendly beetle! Haha!
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Ooh, I love metamorphosis stories, too. I’ll check it out!
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Congrats on your PW appearance! I will definitely see if I can find this book. Thanks for the teaser!
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Metamorphosis! A beetle with personality! A mystery! How can I resist?
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Sue, I’ll be posting on your book next week! Sooo good!!!
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