Caterpillar and Bean A First Science Storybook

Observe the ways plants and insects interact in a gentle introduction to growing for budding scientists.

What’s that wedged in a crack in the ground, small and hard and wrinkly and brown? A bean seed! Soon it develops roots and leaves. And what’s that on the leaf? An egg! The egg hatches a caterpillar, and the caterpillar eats the leaves, getting bigger and bigger until it forms a chrysalis. Meanwhile, the plant is growing, too: it develops flowers, then bean pods, as it reaches up toward the sun. Side by side, plant and insect grow . . . and grow . . . and grow throughout the year, until they come full circle. This fourth book in the First Science Storybook series uses simple, clear language and colorful illustrations to inspire very young readers as they learn about life cycles.

Martin Jenkins has written many celebrated books for children, including The Emperor’s Egg, illustrated by Jane Chapman, and Can We Save the Tiger?, illustrated by Vicky White. Martin Jenkins lives in England, where he works as a conservation biologist.

Hannah Tolson is a freelance illustrator. Her books include I’ve Got Feet! by Julie Murphy and A Pocket Full of Treasures: A Baby Journal. She lives in England.