School Library Journal Review
PreS-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, NB (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
A small boy watches a caterpillar make its way through 'the tall, tall grass' near his home. Along the way, the insect meets many creatures, including snakes, moles, fireflies, and bats. Sixty-one jaunty words describing the animals' movements and sounds frolic about the pages. A charming book, with bright, textured illustrations. From HORN BOOK 1991, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Ages 3-5. A terrific story-hour book. As day turns to night, a caterpillar crunches and munches his way through the tall, tall grass. Along the way, he watches hummingbirds dart and dip; ants lug, pull and tug; and snakes slip, slide, and glide. Using a staccato text, Fleming nevertheless manages to evoke both the creatures who live in the grass and the way they spend their time. The two-page spreads that reveal all these goings-on are impressionistic in execution and boldly colored in grassy greens, sunny yellows, and evening blues, making the art easily accessible--and appealing. Besides a treat for eyes and ears, this can be used as an introductory nature lesson. ~--Ilene Cooper
