Review by Booklist Review
Henri the caterpillar has dreamed his whole life of flying off to see the world. While some of the other garden creatures advise against it, others assist him with his pursuit by offering rides. Eventually he happens upon a hot-air balloon, which grants him his high-flying adventure, albeit not quite as he imagined it. He becomes affixed to the balloon, metamorphoses into a butterfly, and off he goes back home, the most amazing, incredible, impossibly possible place of all. Digitally enhanced watercolor illustrations accompany the straightforward text and adequately convey Henri's adventure. Although Henri and his pals are not generally featured in close-ups, the compositions are simple enough that viewers will be able to spot the characters and their empathy-building expressions and body language. The scientific-minded will take exception to the odd description of the metamorphosis process (A cocoon starts to form around him), which a quick trip to the Internet can clear up. Otherwise, Henri's sweet there's-no-place-like-home adventure encouraging readers to never stop chasing your dreams hits the spot.--Enos, Randall Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
McFarland follows A Bed for Bear with another tale of a dissatisfied animal, in this case Henri, a caterpillar who dreams of exploring the world beyond his garden. His friends Snail, Worm, and Slug encourage him to stay put ("Seriously, Henri, an adventure?" sighs Slug. "Sounds exhausting"), but Toad urges Henri to follow his dreams: "If you don't chase them, they always get away." With help from Bird, Mole, and Fish, Henri is soon on his way to an "amazing, incredible, impossible-seeming adventure," which seems destined to kick into high gear when he discovers a hot-air balloon. But before the balloon lifts off, a cocoon forms around him, potentially robbing Henri of his dream (though readers will know better). McFarland's digitally assembled watercolors create an appealing cast of creatures whose bugged-out eyes speak volumes about what they're thinking, especially Henri. Throughout, McFarland emphasizes the value of patience, taking leaps, and keeping an open mind. Readers will likely recognize what Henri does not-that his adventure was well underway long before he reached the balloon. Ages 4-8. Agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Group. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Henri is a little caterpillar with a big dream: he wants to fly, see the world, and go on "amazing, incredibly impossible-seeming adventures." At this, readers may smile to themselves knowingly and imagine how his story will end, but McFarland serves up so much more. Henri's garden friends urge him to stay. "`Seriously, Henri, an adventure? Sounds exhausting,' Slug says with a sigh." Only Toad encourages Henri to follow his dream. And so a series of unexpected adventures ensue. He hitches a ride over the garden wall on the wings of Bird, tunnels underground with Mole, crosses a lake atop Fish, and climbs the ropes of a hot-air balloon. "But before Henri reaches the top, something happens to him. A cocoon starts to form around him.... Henri is stuck. His dream is going to get away." Eventually, he sleeps, and we all know what happens when he awakens. Butterfly Henri can fly anywhere and everywhere. So where does he go? "Home. The most amazing, incredible, impossibly possible place of all." The mixed-media illustrations are at times reminiscent of Leo Lionni's work, with often simple, expressive creatures imposed on a white background. Gardens, transformation, friendship, and dreams are some of the worthy themes explored in this charming offering. VERDICT Henri's epic tale is a delightful addition to most springtime collections.-Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A caterpillar embarks on a great adventure only to find theres no place like home. Henri dreams of flying, of life beyond the garden wall. His invertebrate pals discourage this wanderlust, but Toads sage advice emboldens him: Heres the thing with dreams.If you dont chase them, they always get away. So the orange and yellow caterpillar (with the help of some animal friends) journeys out, crossing a fence, road, and lake before becoming a cocoon. When his metamorphosis is complete, Henri the butterfly chooses to fly to the most amazing, incredible, impossibly possible place of all: home. Young readers will find McFarlands tale most agreeable, with just a few sentences per page, adorable characters, and a warm, inviting palette. It harks back to Eric Carles The Grouchy Ladybug and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, without the edge of the former and avant-garde minimalism of the latter. However, this gentle, timeworn tale still maintains its charm, with well-designed spreads of digital collage. A pleasing and amiable tale. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
