NPR's Book of the Day ‘Papilio’ and ‘Chooch Helped’ are children’s books brought to life by friendship
Sep 5, 2025
Dive into the collaborative magic behind two remarkable children's books! Discover how friends transformed a caterpillar's metamorphosis into a tale of growth and friendship. Hear insights about late-night brainstorming sessions that fueled creativity. Then, explore the serendipitous encounter that birthed a sibling story with a Caldecott award-winning twist. The conversation highlights the importance of kindness, family connections, and the enchanting world of children's literature.
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Friends Turned A Nap Idea Into A Book
- The three friends decided to each write and illustrate a different life stage of a butterfly as a fun joint project.
- Corey woke with the idea and everyone agreed it justified three distinct creative voices.
Structure Mirrors Growth
- Choosing a butterfly lifecycle let each creator showcase a unique narrative and illustration voice.
- The structure naturally framed growth as both biological metamorphosis and emotional growing up.
Chrysalis Becomes A Wild Ride
- Corey took on the chrysalis segment and turned the challenge of an immobile protagonist into an off-page adventure.
- He imagined the chrysalis being carried off by birds, letting the world move while Papilio remains oblivious inside.
