One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who Followed Them, written by Loree Griffin Burns and illustrated by Jamie Green. mit KIDS Press. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $22.99 ages 7 and up

"The people are Jean-Henri Fabre, 
a Frenchman how died in 1915, 

and Terrence Fitzgerald, an American
who was born twenty-six years later in 1941. 

The fascinating conversations? Wordless. 
Because caterpillars can't talk, of course. 
And neither can men who worked and 
wondered in different centuries." 

This is the first book in a new series of early chapter books from two star players in the nonfiction world for kids and their reading interests. They turn the spotlight on processionary caterpillars (have you heard of them?) and the way they march. Jean Henri Fabre was first to take note of their unusual movement; then much later, Terrence Fitzgerald noted the same thing. Both were very curious and intent on learning as much as they could. 

The fact that both scientists spent much of their lives working toward discovery, despite the many years that passed between their research is quite the intriguing story. Loree Griffin Burns' text is perfect for young readers. She writes conversationally, and fills the pages with a story that shows them exactly how the scientific process works and how being curious about the world around us leads to some remarkable discoveries. 

Readers learn that if a pine processionary caterpillar is hungry, it will travel untold distances to find the food it needs. To that end, along with others, it makes its way in long, single-file lines. The two men whose research is shared lived in two different countries at two different times in history. That in itself makes for the most fascinating coincidence. Each was meticulous in their observations, questions, and experiments. 

I had no idea how interested I would be. The text is appealing, and the design includes sidebars and illustrations that further enhance the learning. The conclusion encourages anyone interested to find out more by using the same principles of scientific research. Back matter includes an informative glossary, websites for learning about the scientists, a list for further reading, source notes and a bibliography. What an amazing start to a promising series! 

"This is a story about unusual caterpillars, curious people, and fascinating conversations."