Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying

Tuti, a little caterpillar with yellow and black stripes, learns to be patient and trust in herself as she transforms into a beautiful butterfly.

2–5 years

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Illustration 1 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

On a round green leaf, under the morning sun, Tuti was born: a tiny little caterpillar with yellow and black stripes.

Illustration 2 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

"I'm hungry!" said Tuti, and she nibbled her first leaf.

She ate and ate, leaf after leaf, until her little tummy was round and happy.

Illustration 3 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

In the garden she met Bibi, the red ladybug with black spots, and Zumzum, the yellow and black bee.

The three of them played racing games among the flowers, though Tuti always came in last.

"It doesn't matter," she laughed. "I enjoy the journey!"

Illustration 4 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

One day, Tuti felt strange and heavy in her body.

"I think I'm turning into something," she told her friends, feeling a little scared.

Illustration 5 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

The grandmother caterpillar, dark green with drooping antennae, came closer slowly.

"Don't be afraid, little one. All caterpillars carry a surprise inside. You just have to be patient."

Illustration 6 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

Tuti found a quiet little branch and there she wove, thread by thread, her very own house: a golden, shimmering cocoon.

"Here I will wait," she whispered.

Illustration 7 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

One day passed. Two days passed. A whole week passed.

The wind rocked the golden cocoon, the rain washed it, the sun warmed it.

Tuti waited and waited, though sometimes it was hard to be patient.

Illustration 8 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

Inside the golden cocoon, something incredible was happening: Tuti's body was transforming little by little, like putting together a brand-new puzzle.

"What if it doesn't work?" she thought, feeling a bit nervous.

But she kept trusting.

Illustration 9 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

One morning, the cocoon opened with a soft crack.

Out came Tuti… but she wasn't a caterpillar anymore! She had big wings, orange and blue.

"I'm a butterfly!" she exclaimed, though her wings were still wrinkly and damp.

Illustration 10 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

She waited in the sun a little longer, until her orange and blue wings dried and stretched out.

Then, with a tiny hop… she flew!

Illustration 11 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

She flew to where Bibi the ladybird and Zumzum the bee were playing.

"Who are you, such a pretty butterfly?" asked her friends, not recognizing her.

"It's me, Tuti. It's just that now I can fly."

Illustration 12 from “Tuti, the Caterpillar Who Dreamed of Flying”

And together, laughing, they discovered that changing doesn't erase who you are inside: it only helps you show everything you already carried within.

The End.

The End