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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

What Will I Be? Written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Marc Boutavant. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2012. $11.00 ages 3 and up

"I'm round and white,
like a Ping-Pong ball.
I lie underneath warm sand.

WHAT WILL I BE?

I'll break out
of my leathery eggshell
and squirm through
the sand."

There are two titles in this series called Uncover and Discover. I have only seen this one, but look forward to seeing Who's Like Me?as well. The format is one that is sure to appeal to young readers and those who share the book with them. 

It is the same for each of the five creatures. A brief description is adjacent to the colorful illustration that hints at the answer for a child with prior knowledge. Facing the description and the repeated question, "WHAT WILL I BE?" is another illustrated clue to the identity. Lift the flap and the answer is provided, with a brief descriptive paragraph.

The following two page spread is a numbered explanation for how the creature comes to be. For the caterpillar, the text reads:

1. When I'm ready, I'll lay my tiny eggs on a leaf.
2. They'll hatch into little caterpillars that will eat and grow...
3. until they are MUCH bigger.
4. Then they'll each make a small papery package and hang under a leaf by a silken thread... ready to become a butterfly."

Quite lovely, while also being very interesting and informative for a young learner. Familiar format
and the inclusion of  just the right amount of information ensures that this book will become a clear favorite in quick time!  

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