It seems to have disappeared, but it hasn't. It has turned into a butterfly! From the time a caterpiller first hatches, it eats so fast that its skin can't keep up. It sheds its skin several times as it grows bigger and bigger. Eventually it forms a shell around itself called a chrysalis. Nothing seems to happen for a long time. But then one day the chrysalis splits open, amd a beautiful butterfly emerges. What a magical metamorphosis!

 

There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 1996 by HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd .

Deborah Heiligman is the award-winning author of 15 children's books. She specializes in simplifying complex subjects for young people, particularly in the areas of science and social studies. She lives in New York City.