By: Stephanie Martinez
Dan Diedriech’s new children’s book, Katy the Caterpillar, is a masterful story that questions the usual way stories about change are told. Katy’s trip is different and surprising from the usual caterpillar-to-butterfly change. Katy struggles with being half butterfly and half worm. She is picked on and left out by her friends. That twist was intentional by Diedriech because he wanted to show how many people feel when they are not liked or accepted. Through Katy’s story, he wants to send a strong message: everyone has a place in the world, no matter how different or weird they may feel. As readers follow Katy’s journey to self-acceptance and happiness through helping others, they are reminded of how important it is to be true to yourself and help those around you.
Katy’s transformation doesn’t go as planned, which is a unique twist on the classic caterpillar-to-butterfly story. What was your motivation for giving Katy such an unexpected metamorphosis, and how do you hope it will resonate with readers?
There is a little bit of Katy in all of us. She is the embodiment of our insecurities, isolation, and awkwardness. As a creature who is half butterfly and half caterpillar, she is not accepted by her peers and is laughed at and considered an outcast. We often feel different, somewhat of a misfit. This can be the result of physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Katy learns, however, that by reaching out and accepting support, she is able to achieve happiness and even help others. The message to the reader is that you are special and have a place in this world no matter who you are.
The theme of finding happiness and purpose through helping others is central to Katy’s story. Can you discuss how you developed this theme and why it was important for you to highlight it in the book?
I’ll let you in on a little secret. When you help others, you are actually the big winner. Yes, it is important to help others in any way we can. In doing so, however, we feel better about ourselves. Children need to learn that supporting friends and strangers doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. With the right attitude, we all come out winners.
The book features vibrant and visionary illustrations. How did the collaboration process with the illustrator work, and what were some key elements you wanted the illustrations to capture Katy’s journey?
I am blessed to work with one of the creative and visionary people I’ve ever known. Asim Hussain is not only a brilliant illustrator but he is also a gifted animator and web designer. Our goal was to bring the characters to life by demonstrating their emotions through facial expressions and body language. We also wanted to be innovative in creating unique ways in which each creature could reach their potential. As examples, Flicker the Firefly has an electrically charged tail while Hippity the Grasshopper has springs on his feet to help him jump.
Katy’s story involves a struggle with self-acceptance and redefining her dreams. How do you think Katy’s experience can help children deal with their own challenges and insecurities?
We want to let children know there are many paths to happiness. When Plan A doesn’t work you often find that Plan B can be just as rewarding. The key is to be flexible and accept and even embrace change. These paths lead to new experiences which help us grow and lead fulfilling lives.
“Katy the Caterpillar” emphasizes that all creatures have a special place in the world. What message do you hope to convey to young readers about individuality and self-worth?
Everyone has value. The key is to constantly be aware of new opportunities and experiences. We all evolve over time and this is a good thing. Being a lifelong learner we learn the value of stretching our imaginations and embracing new opportunities. Our place in the world is, first and foremost, determined by how we view ourselves.
Download “Katy the Caterpillar” today!
Published By: Aize Perez
