By: Andrew Wills
In his enchanting and thought-provoking book, Katy the Caterpillar, author Dan Diedriech weaves a compelling tale of transformation, resilience, and self-acceptance. The story is about Katy, a monarch worm who comes out of her nest only partly changed into a butterfly and has to deal with rejection and physical problems. Even so, Katy learns to accept her unique shape and find joy in helping other “misfit” creatures with the constant help of a true friend and her own inner strength. In this interview, Diedriech talks about what inspired Katy’s journey, how important it is to believe in yourself, and how fun it was to work with artist Asim Hussain. Come with us as we look at the deep meanings and creative process behind a story that tells kids to be themselves and find their place in the world.
In “Katy the Caterpillar,” Katy faces a significant transformation challenge. What inspired you to create a story about a caterpillar who doesn’t turn into a typical butterfly, and what message do you hope young readers will take away from Katy’s journey?
Katy the Caterfly is a character created by Carol Diedriech to embody the wide range of emotions of those who feel, for whatever reason, that they are different and don’t belong. I had the privilege of taking that character and creating a story.
Katy, the monarch butterfly caterpillar, comes out of her cocoon only partially formed. Her top half is that of a butterfly with stubby wings, but her bottom half remains that of a caterpillar. She can barely fly and her sluggish body aches. In addition, she is rejected and humiliated by fully formed monarch butterflies. Through the help of a true-blue friend, she adapts to the reality she lives with and even learns to thrive by helping other misfit creatures.
By joining Katy on her journey of discovery, children learn that it is okay to be different and that we all have a special place in this world. More importantly, they learn that by focusing on the “US” instead of “me” by helping others, we also feel better about ourselves.
The book highlights the theme of self-acceptance and finding joy in helping others. Can you share some insights into how you developed Katy’s character to embody these values, and why do you believe these themes are important for children today?
To learn to love others we must first learn to love ourselves. This begins by accepting who we are and making the most out of our lives despite its challenges. We can then reach out and support others who need a helping hand. The secret lies in the fact that we actually gain as much, if not more, than those we are helping. There is a great sense of satisfaction in knowing that we have made someone else’s life a little easier; a little better. There are also certain values we must adopt and practice if we are to lead fulfilling lives. These include kindness, respect, honesty, and tolerance. These practices of these values are extremely important if we are to progress as a society.
The illustrations in “Katy the Caterpillar” are described as vibrant and visionary. How did you collaborate with the illustrator to ensure the visuals complemented and enhanced Katy’s story?
Asim Hussain, our talented and gifted illustrator, and I constantly challenged ourselves to convey the deep emotions within the characters and to creatively develop the ways we helped each of “Katy’s Critters” reach their potential. In Katy, her emotional ups and downs are vividly displayed through her facial expressions and body movements. The backgrounds are even designed to play on our emotions by the changes in scenery and weather conditions.
Each of Katy’s Critters are enhanced in very creative ways. As examples, Silky the Spider is gifted with a lasso so she can rope flies, Jet the Blue Jay gets a boost through solar powered wings, and Ringo the Roadrunner can now cruise the desert highways in this Ringo-mobile!
Katy’s story deviates from the traditional caterpillar-to-butterfly transformation that many are familiar with. What challenges did you face in writing a narrative that both entertains and conveys a deeper lesson about self-worth and purpose?
In order for Katy to capture the hearts and minds of our readers, we needed to make sure that children could identify with her and her friends. First, we conveyed that it is natural to feel confused, hurt, and even angry when things don’t turn out like you’d like. To move forward, however, you also have to take chances and trust others just like a scared Katy did when she climbed on the bluebird’s back for her first flying lesson. Finally, we had to convey the joy that Katy felt when she helped others achieve their potential.
“Katy the Caterpillar” seems to encourage children to find their own unique place in the world. How do you think Katy’s journey can help children deal with their own feelings of inadequacy or not fitting in, and what advice would you give to parents reading this book with their kids?
When you’re on a journey, it’s always good to have a friend at your side. Children can carry the story of Katy in their hands, as a book, or in their minds as an idea. When feeling awkward and out of place, they can learn to reach out to others for support. I believe this is especially important for parents who are reading the book to their children. They can emphasize that you can always come to us, your teachers, or your friends for support. That it’s okay to ask for help and that you are not alone.
Also, sometimes parents, even if they mean the best, will try to “normalize” their children to conform to societal expectations. Through the teachings in Katy the Caterfly, the parents can learn to seek out what is different in their child and let the boy or girl know it’s okay to be themselves. Depending on the circumstances, they can even take these differences and focus them into positive growth and fulfillment for the child.
Download “Katy the Caterpillar” today!
Published by: Martin De Juan