Roxanne Beck

Caterpillarland Roxanne Beck

Publisher Marketing: Monique, a rare (but rather flighty) orange-and-blue monarch butterfly who loves nectar more than anything, is on her way to Mexico with her flock. On a rest stop, she narrowly escapes from two human butterfly collectors by hiding in a tiny crack in the ground. Unable to crawl back out, she falls deeper and deeper into the earth, finding herself trapped in a secret, underground cave. This is "Wormland," a kingdom of captive caterpillars who have been brainwashed to think that they're worms by a vain and selfish moth queen. Meanwhile, at school, all the young caterpillars are being forced to write, "A worm is a worm is a worm" over and over. When a student named Charley refuses to write this nonsense one more time, he sheds his skin in front of the whole class (a sure sign of changing fever)! Knowing that he's in danger of being quarantined, he packs a bag and plans to run away from home that very night. Then Monique appears at his window, asking for nectar and directions out of the cave. Charley, who has always dreamed of flying, is both thrilled and terrified at the sight of the beautiful creature. He begs her to take him with her, and together they begin the dangerous journey to the Outside World and freedom.