The Caterpillar Hotel
Now a Readers’ Favorite! Read the full review below.
Welcome to the Caterpillar Hotel! A place with friendly hard-working staff where all are welcome. But when Cody the caterpillar checks in one day, he brings his bad mood with him, and takes it out on everyone he encounters! During his stay, however, Cody finds himself going through a transformation that shows him the error of his ways. Cody’s journey will delight readers and ask them how they want to live, as a grumpy caterpillar, or a butterfly?
This heartwarming story teaches the importance of forgiveness and apology while reminding readers to value everyone around them.
Now available!
Caroline recently sat down with beloved style expert and literature enthusiast, Ashley Hasty, to get into all things literature (and beyond). Take a detour to her blog, Hasty Book List, to discover more about the individual behind “The Caterpillar Hotel.”
What People Are Saying
The Caterpillar Hotel is a children’s picture book written by Caroline Kjos, with illustrations by Nadee Diwakara. The story follows Cody, a grumpy guest whose attitude transforms after a night at the Caterpillar Hotel. Upon his arrival, Cody gives an elaborate food order and makes unreasonable requests. Benny, the welcoming concierge; Stanley, the chef; and Lucy, the housekeeper, attend to his needs with kindness and understanding. However, Cody addresses them with harsh words and an ungrateful attitude. Overnight, Cody grows a cocoon. Trapped, with no one to help him out, he begins to regret his actions toward the hotel staff and vows to change his ways.
The Caterpillar Hotel is a heartwarming story about kindness, appreciation, and meaningful transformation. Cody is a character that many readers will find familiar: rude, entitled, and ungrateful. His journey from grumpiness to gratitude and kindness exemplifies the power of self-reflection and personal growth. His emergence from the cocoon with a new perspective symbolizes a metamorphosis that is not only physical but also emotional and social. This story teaches readers the importance of treating others with respect and appreciation. It illustrates how one’s attitude can affect both personal happiness and the well-being of those around them. It is never too late to adopt a more positive outlook on life. Caroline Kjos effectively conveys the book’s messages in a way that children can easily understand and relate to. The colorful illustrations bring the characters and their environment to life. Overall, The Caterpillar Hotel is a wonderful read that delivers a profound lesson about kindness and gratitude.
Doreen Chombu, Readers’ Favorie
What an inspiring story, not only for children but legitimately impactful for adults as well. It’s easy for the reader to relate to Cody and see their occasional selves in his grumpiness. What we, and especially children, aren’t always ready to acknowledge is how our moods can impact those around us in a very real way, even those we have fleeting interactions with. This book shines a light on those interactions, and the people we tend overlook everyday. It demonstrates to children that what we do and how we behave everyday, even in the smallest most forgettable moments, counts. And in its ending the book delivers its most powerful message, that real change is possible. The ambiguity over this change and its tangible interpretation, elevates the book even further. This ambiguity is rare and ambitious in children’s literature, but it serves to respect the readers intelligence and forces children to ask themselves important questions. What importance do we place on physical appearance and most importantly, what’s the value of change no one can see?
Ashley K.
The staff at The Caterpillar Hotel offer some top notch customer service while dealing with a very grumpy caterpillar. I’d stay at this hotel! This story was so delightful and would definitely be an enlightening read to illustrate how a little kindness can go a long way. The illustrations are great as well. Cody may very well be the cutest grumpiest caterpillar I’ve ever seen!
Rachel
My son loves this book and I do too! Since he’s the reader, I’ve asked him to share his thoughts in his own words. “This book is great! The story was awesome. The pictures were really cool and the message was very perfect. Be kind, it’s not hard!”
RLMG
It was the perfect book to read to my 5 year old. Children are never too young to learn kindness especially in today’s world.
Patricia
My kids absolutely love this book, and so do I! It’s an adorable story with memorable characters and a message that every child (and adult!) could benefit from. The illustrations keep my youngest (almost 2) engaged, too! 10/10 recommend this book to all parents…and cranky adults 🙂
Natalie
My boys (6,3, and 2) loved the characters and vibrant colors, such a sweet story with a valuable lesson! Buy this book for all the littles to enjoy!
Ebroph
Manners cost nothing. A valuable lesson learned at the Caterpillar Hotel!
CK Creative 