Laura Bunting (text) and Nicky Johnston (illustrator), Coco and the Butterfly, Scholastic Australia, 48 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781743834923
Coco is grumpy. She does not like her new home in Tabby Valley and all the mini-beasts that she is forced to share it with. The city, with its fast-pace, bright colours and lack of insects was far more to her tastes. When her anger threatens to bubble up and out in an explosion, Coco grabs her favourite fairy wings and heads for the garden. Here she meets a very upset caterpillar who teaches her that fearing change is normal and with a little help and courage it can lead to the most beautiful things.
This is a story about the difficulties in accepting change and opening ourselves up to the possibility that a little metamorphosis in our lives can lead to better things. This is best shown in the juxtaposition of Coco’s caterpillar friend and Coco herself, both who morph into a life of new and joyful experiences after dealing with the anxieties of facing change.
The lovely hardcover is embossed with the sweetest illustrations, pussycat slippers, butterflies, caterpillars, bees, flowers, love-hearts, cakes, and bows. The pretty designs are reflected on each page in soft, water colour pastels.
This book was a beautiful story to share with my young daughter who loved Coco and the beauty that surrounds her. It is the second book in the series by Laura Bunting and I’d recommend it for 4- to 8-year-olds.
Reviewed by Katie Mineeff
