A must-read

Speaking of summer camp, it was there when I first read Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus. Have you heard of it? When Lindsay and I were co-counselors, we would read one chapter each night to our cabin of giggly 13-year-olds. It's one of those children’s novels that's made for adults. The story follows Stripe, a tiny, fuzzy caterpillar who’s determined to break away from the everyday routine of munching on leaves and climbing caterpillar towers to the sky (yes, a candid but well-presented allegory of humans climbing the corporate ladder). 

Paulus lovingly reminds her readers there is always hope, whether or not you're a caterpillar wishing to fly. With curious illustrations and darling handwritten type, it would make a perfect birthday or graduation present...and I just discovered it comes in all sorts of languages!

*Photo courtesy of www.anniebethericsson.com.