From Publishers Weekly
Singling out the "array of vibrant verbs and boisterous onomatopeia" and the "kaleidoscope effect" of the textured paper collages, PW called Caldecott Honor artist Fleming's caterpillar safari "ideal for sharing with young explorers." Ages 2-6. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K-- Bold, bright, stylized collage illustrations capture the eye and the imagination as they depict the simple, rhyming text of this outstanding nature tale. From a caterpillar's point-of-view, children see the many happenings in the tall, tall grass: "crunch, munch, caterpillars lunch/dart, dip, hummingbirds sip" etc. Bees and birds, ants and snakes are among the daytime inhabitants. Then, with the "stars bright, moonlight" come nocturnal fireflies and bats: "good night, tall, tall grass." The childlike illustrations were created by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils, resulting in remarkable images. Colors--shaded and varied--range full spectrum, deep and true through sunny yellow, cobalt, plum, a dozen shades of green. On each double page appears the blue-eyed, yellow-with-orange-spots caterpillar, always in proper perspective to the other creatures. Two-year-olds (and even younger) will enjoy the rhyme and rhythm, three-year-olds exploring numbers will love counting insects, four-year-olds--who are sure they can "read"--will experience success after a few listenings, and adults won't mind the request, "Read it again, please." A real charmer. --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NBCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Review
"A terrific story-hour book. As day turns to night, a caterpillar crunches and munches his way through the tall, tall grass...Besides a treat for eyes and ears, this can be used as an introductory nature lesson."--Booklist, starred review

"Bold, bright, stylized illustrations capture eye and imagination as they convey the simple, rhyming text of this outstanding nature tale."--School Library Journal, starred review



Review
"A terrific story-hour book. As day turns to night, a caterpillar crunches and munches his way through the tall, tall grass...Besides a treat for eyes and ears, this can be used as an introductory nature lesson."--Booklist, starred review

"Bold, bright, stylized illustrations capture eye and imagination as they convey the simple, rhyming text of this outstanding nature tale."--School Library Journal, starred review



Book Description
If you were a fuzzy caterpillar crawling through the tall, tall grass on a sunny afternoon, what would you see? Beginning as the sun is high in the sky and ending as fireflies blink and the moon rises above, this backyard tour is one no child will want to miss.

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book
An ALA Notable Book
A School Library Journal Best Book
An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
A Booklist Editors' Choice



Card catalog description
Rhymed text (crunch, munch, caterpillars lunch) presents a toddler's view of creatures found in the grass from lunchtime till nightfall, such as bees, ants, and moles.

ANNOTATION

Rhymed text (crunch, munch, caterpillars lunch) presents a toddler's view of creatures found in the grass from lunchtime till nightfall, such as bees, ants, and moles.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

If you were a fuzzy caterpillar crawling through the tall, tall grass on a sunny afternoon, what would you see?

To find out, just follow the tiny tour guide as he inches his way through the pages of this book. You'll see ants and bees and birds--hip-hopping bunnies too. You'll even hear the sounds some of them make.

Crunch, munch,
caterpillars lunch...
Crack, snap, wings flap...

Beginning as the sun is high in the sky and ending as fireflies blink and the moon rises above, this backyard tour is one no child will want to miss.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Singling out the ``array of vibrant verbs and boisterous onomatopeia'' and the ``kaleidoscope effect'' of the textured paper collages, PW called Caldecott Honor artist Fleming's caterpillar safari ``ideal for sharing with young explorers.'' Ages 2-6. (Mar.)

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Rhyming action words and bright bold artwork give a toddler's view of the animals seen in the grass. In addition to the delightful yet simple text, the introduction of the animals and insects follows the passage of time from day to evening. 1995 (orig.

Children's Literature - Mary Quattlebaum

I love Fleming's bold style which she achieves by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils. Her simple rhyming text accompanies illustrations that capture well the dynamic ecosystems of different environments. Creatures such as lunch-munching caterpillars and loop-swooping bats share space in this book as they do in the natural world.

School Library Journal