The caterpillar is a dear friend to the insects in the garden. But, as we know from the title of the book, she has died, and now her friends have many questions. What happens when we die? How is life going to be now that she is no longer around? And what to do with all the feelings we have with this loss?
Even though death is something natural, that allows a cycle of constant renewal in life, to us, human beings, it is also a mystery, and dealing with it can be a huge challenge.
This book was made during a pandemic, when millions of people around the world have died of a disease caused by a virus. This story is the way we found to talk openly about the subject, and to look at the emotions of those who have lost loved ones. It is also a tribute to life, that keeps renewing itself.
"Death of a caterpillar" is the third of a series of books created by Coletivo Sabichinho. Since 2014 we write and illustrate for children using collaborative methods and the participation of kids in the process.
This book was made during a pandemic, when millions of people around the world have died of a disease caused by a virus. This story is the way we found to talk openly about the subject, and to look at the emotions of those who have lost loved ones. It is also a tribute to life, that keeps renewing itself.
"Death of a caterpillar" is the third of a series of books created by Coletivo Sabichinho. Since 2014 we write and illustrate for children using collaborative methods and the participation of kids in the process.
The book was first published by Companhia das Letras, one of the most prestigious publishing houses in Brazil, and has sold its publishing rights to Thailand and Greece so far.
The digital version of the book is available in Portuguese for free download under Creative Commons license here.
Text by André Rodrigues, Larissa Ribeiro, Paula Desgualdo & Pedro Markun.
Companhia das Letrinhas, São Paulo, Brazil, 2022.
The illustrations were made using a playful collective method of mixing oil, gouache and pastel stains.
