Creating Connections, Julie Conner

As my children have grown up, we have always made story ‘books’ using their pictures of experiences we have had or to preview something coming up (we once had a story about the expectations of going on a vacation). So, several years ago, when Jake was given a ‘caterpillar kit’ (the ones with the little caterpillars and the stuff at the bottom for them to eat) it was typical that we took pictures of their journey from caterpillar to butterfly. In doing so, I noticed that of the 5 caterpillars, there was one that was completing all of its stages of growth about a day behind the rest. When all of the others had come out of their cocoons and were ready to fly, that one had fallen from its delicate string, but when I picked it up, I could feel it move, so I set it back up and waited. Sure enough, the next day it was out of the cocoon and ready to fly. As I was putting the pictures together into a story for Jake and Ella, I really noticed in the pictures how this story was playing out, and it truly spoke to me as someone in the field of education, as well as a parent. At times we may find ourselves comparing one child to another, one person to another, however, everyone completes their journey in their own time. This was very comforting to me as a mom, educator, and human in general, who has felt the need to be on a specific path at a specific time, which is why I dedicated my book to “All the caterpillars making their way.” I didn’t know what to expect when I started the process of getting published, but knew that I hoped to share the message that it is acceptable to experience life’s milestones at an individual pace.

It’s My Time to Fly: The Story of Caterpillar Number Five was inspired by that butterfly kit gifted to my son. I truly hope this book will be an inspiration to others, imparting the message that it is okay for metamorphosis to take place at an individual pace! In the book five baby caterpillars grow and grow. They hang upside-down, tuck themselves into cozy chrysalises, and wake as beautiful butterflies. But Caterpillar Number Five is just a little behind the rest. When will it be his time to fly?

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