A new children’s book is finding its place in Christian homes and church libraries across the country. Kati the Curious Caterpillar: Designed to Shine is a whimsical, colorful story of a newly hatched blue morpho butterfly caterpillar’s journey to discover God’s purpose in her life.
What Makes Kati the Caterpillar So Captivating?
1. The Sweet, Adventurous Storyline Fosters Curiosity.
Just like the youthful curiosity present in a toddler’s growing mind, Kati asks A LOT of questions along her adventure through the rainforest. For example, she asks Anthony and his fellow leafcutter ants what they were doing and why. Anthony’s response introduces the theme of the book when he says, “We are doing what God designed us to do.”
From that point forward, Kati makes it her mission to discover what God designed HER to do! Conversations with her new rainforest friends are filled with entertaining and educational moments for children of all ages.
2. Original Hand-Drawn Illustrations Bring Kati, Her Friends and the Rainforest to Life.
Each vibrantly illustrated page captures the attention of readers and listeners alike. With every turn of the page, kids are wondering what Kati’s next pose will be and who she will encounter next. Illustrator Dave Scheirer also strategically placed critters in the backgrounds on many of the pages to draw the reader deeper into the rainforest. For example, kids enjoy pointing out the toucans and a tree frog on one page and are excited when they find the hidden question mark on another.
3. The Characters Are Whimsical and Relatable in This One-of-a-Kind Children’s Book.
Many of the characters in Kati the Curious Caterpillar: Designed to Shine are based on some of the most amazing creatures found in the Central and South American rainforests. Each character’s personality and qualities are relatable to everyday figures in many children’s lives:
- Kati, as the book title implies, is filled with curiosity and excited to learn about the world around her.
- Kati’s parents are very loving and encouraging, allowing Kati to explore her surroundings just as God the Father loves us unconditionally and wants us to experience His goodness.
- Anthony the leafcutter ant is very hardworking and a picture of loyalty to his family.
- Nick the walking stick is quirky and extremely lovable, the sort of character you’d want as your best friend.
4. Biblical principles are presented in easy-to-understand ways.
It’s not always easy to tie biblical principles into a story in a smooth and an engaging way, but this biblically sound children’s book does just that. Kati’s story illustrates three primary principles that make for great talking points with children about God’s design:
1. God is the Creator of All Things.
Thanks to the apostle John, we know that “God created everything through him. And nothing was created except through him” (John 1:3, NLT). So when your child asks where leafcutter ants came from, the book supports sharing that God made them.
2. God Made Everything with a Purpose.
During Kati’s journeys, she discovers that each creature she encounters has a special purpose that helps it survive and thrive in the rainforest. This concept comes from Jeremiah 29:11, which reads, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (NIV).
This principle is also supported by Proverbs 16:4, which reads, “The Lord has made everything for its purpose…” (ESV).
3. God Designed People to Reflect His Goodness and Glory to Others Around Them.
Kati’s new friends find it easy to share exactly what their purposes are, each one shining as they do their best to carry out the roles God designed them for. When we fulfill our God-given purposes, we are reflecting His glory to those around us, just as 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord…” (NLT).
Many of the characters also demonstrate Matthew 5:16—“…let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (NLT)—as they live out what God created them to do. As Kati travels through the rainforest, it’s evident that all things work together to create a healthy environment that reflects God’s glory.
Readers across the country love the way author, believer, and former science teacher Todd Swisher incorporates solid biblical principles in Kati the Curious Caterpillar: Designed to Shine. One online reviewer even stated, “What a beautiful book to share the joy of God. This book teaches children the love of God through beautiful illustrations and fun messages. This is one to stay on the shelf!”
The Kati the Curious Caterpillar: Designed to Shine Activity Book
The activity book was created as a standalone resource or to act as a companion to the children’s book. The Kati the Curious Caterpillar: Designed to Shine Activity Book is jam-packed with a wide variety of fun things to do for children of all ages, including adults!
What’s Inside Kati’s Activity Book?
Created to both entertain and teach toddlers through 10-year-olds, this activity book is sprinkled with coloring pages and fun puzzles that help develop logic and deductive reasoning skills in young children.
What can you expect to find in the Designed to Shine activity book?
- 30+ coloring pages
- Word searches
- Crossword puzzles
- Mazes
- Easy snack recipes
- Insect fun facts
A Scientific Snapshot
The real-life creatures these characters are based on have been studied extensively by scientists because of their unique behaviors and physical characteristics. Here are just a few examples of what children learn in the very first Kati activity book:
1. Kati and her parents represent two of the four stages of blue morpho butterflies that demonstrate structural color perhaps better than any other creature.
2. Anthony represents leafcutter ants, a hardworking species sometimes referred to as the farmers of the rainforest.
3. Nick represents stick insects who are renowned as some of the best at using mimicry and camouflage in the natural world, protecting them from predators and allowing them to live peacefully in their environments.
The activity book also provides a detailed yet easy-to-understand explanation of how the blue morpho butterfly acts as a metaphor describing the relationship between God and mankind.
The Kati the Curious Caterpillar series is morphing into a must-have for any Christian children’s library as Kati wiggles her way into schools, churches, nurseries, and homes. The books can be purchased individually or as a set on the Align Life Ministries website here.
