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Author Melody Sullivan brings a fresh perspective to that well-known symbol of metamorphosis--the butterfly--in her transformational tale of Lillibit the caterpillar. Lillibit's story is told with a unique blend of natural realism and wondrous whimsy, enhanced by the magical illustrations of Stanislav Grof. Lillibit's Dream encourages bereaved children to dream their own dream of transcendence as they journey through loss and change.
~ Roberta Rook, Bereavement Program Coordinator
for The Life Center at Hospice of the Chesapeake
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Lillibit is a caterpillar with big dreams. She believes that there must be more to life than eating leaves. She wants to fly. While the other caterpillars make fun of her for climbing up to the highest leaf so that she can try, her best friend, Serena the ladybug, encourages her to believe in her dreams.
Lillibit ‘s Dream offers two valuable lessons to young readers. The first is scientific in that it teaches about metamorphosis. As Lillibit grows through the story, the reader will learn about molting and about how a caterpillar creates a chrysalis to become a butterfly. Though this is certainly an interesting lesson for young children, the book’s presentation is somewhat frightening.
Lillibit is terrified when her skin splits open the first time she molts, believing that she is dying. She has the same fear when she begins to form a chrysalis. Lillibit’s reaction to the process of changing could leave some children with the idea that metamorphosis is very traumatic for a caterpillar.
The second lesson is about the power of believing in one’s dreams. Lillibit fantasizes about flying, though she does not know that she will become a butterfly. Others try to tell her that life is already all that it can be and make fun of her for reaching for more. With the encouragement of Serena, Lillibit refuses to give up on her dream and eventually it comes true.
The text is generally well written by Melody Sullivan, especially in descriptions of Lillibit’s dreams. For example, “In Lillibit’s dream of dreams, she reached for distant galaxies and her legs grew long. She stretched her possibilities and her antennae unfurled. She soared to suns far beyond her caterpillar crawl and wings sprouted from her back. The stars sang. The galaxies swirled. And the universe pulsed.”
The accompanying color illustrations by legendary psychotherapist Stanislav Grof, MD, PhD, are consistent and express both emotion and a good sense of movement. They relate well to the text, and the bright colors are visually appealing.
Overall, Lillibit ‘s Dream is an above-average book that children ages three to six will enjoy. Parents should be aware that some additional discussion of metamorphosis might be necessary. The author’s presentation of the power of dreams is truly lovely and makes the book well worth reading.
~Catherine Thureson
ForeWord Clarion Reviews - January 20, 2012
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Lillibit, like most of us, is a dissatisfied, dream-filled, else-oriented creature - filled with the emotions of unhappiness with self. When the natural course of events, however, carries her into the next phases of her development, she resists losing the frustrated existence that has been boring her. With each transition she does not learn the lesson of transition - that we are growing into our true selves. Out of the terror of losing all that she knows of physical reality, she enters a universe of possibilities in which she can experience all of existence and feel the reality of being each form it takes. That gives her the wisdom to move forward into her very own fulfillment, which had been waiting for her from the beginning (which her mentor and guide, Ladybug Serena, has known with our all-seeing eye). She emerges from the chrysalis radiant and joy-filled, arriving into her true form right on schedule.
Grof's illustrations jump off the page with a subtle electricity that is alive, yet gentle and exceedingly playful. I'm delighted with the blend of subtlety and vibrancy in the images and their rendering. Who could have guessed that a cartoonist lay just below the surface of brilliant consciousness researcher Stanislav Grof, MD, PhD? And Lillibit's Dream has the most beautiful endsheets I've ever seen, carrying an invitation into the story - and a peaceful resolution out of it.
Lillibit's Dream is a playful romp into the seriousness of the world which can be shared by children and adults. Together they can teach each other the value of being right where you are in your own development, ripening at the right pace beneath our life-giving sun.
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An allegory of our transformational process as individuals. Inspirational for readers of all ages. Wonderful and imaginative.
~ Rick Doblin, MAPS
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