Harry The Happy Caterpillar Grows is a new book written by Cindy Jett to help children adapt to change.
How do you talk to a young child about their resistance to a change in routine, the fear of starting school, or moving to a new area? As adults, we know that change is a part of life, but very often young children want to keep things as they are. It makes them feel safe. A new picture book, “Harry the Happy Caterpillar Grows” by Cindy Jett addresses how to help children when they fear change.
The story centers on Harry, a caterpillar who has a fantastic life full of games, friends, school and leaf eating. He is stunned when, one day at caterpillar school, he learns that he is expected to build a chrysalis and change into a butterfly. Harry vows to remain a caterpillar forever, as his friends build their chrysalises and move on. Eventually, Harry learns to accept change as a necessary part of life, and joins his friends as a butterfly. There are tips in the back of the book to help parents and educators use the story as a vehicle to help kids talk about their feelings, and teach them coping strategies.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Kathy Voerg. It is appropriate for children ages 4-10, and is part of New Horizon Press's “Let's Talk” series for young children.
Cindy Jett is a licensed clinical social worker. She has a masters degree from the National Catholic School of Social Service, and has had a psychotherapy practice in Washington, DC for ten years.
This book is available here: Harry the Happy Caterpillar Grows: Helping Children Adjust to Change (Let's Talk)
