The Cranky Caterpillar

Author(s): Richard Graham

3-5 yrs Picture Books (Hardback)

On a day when nothing particular is happening, Ezra hears a strange sound coming from the music room next door. To her surprise, she discovers the source is a caterpillar--a very cranky caterpillar--who is perpetually stuck inside the piano, unable to play anything but a grim and gloomy tune. Ezra feels sympathy for the cranky caterpillar and tries everything she can think of to cheer him up: she takes him for a walk, bakes him cakes, and even buys him a new set of hats. But nothing changes his tune. Until, with the help of some quirky friends and their vibrant music, Ezra helps the cranky caterpillar shed his blue gloom and undergo a transformation.


Richard Graham is a new illustrator with a highly distinctive and original style. The origins of The Cranky Caterpillar lie in one of his own artistic creations: a caterpillar created from the hammers inside an old piano, while the band of musicians are all original sculptures made from materials found in his studio. Graham was also inspired by Kandinsky's synesthesia, which enabled the artist to hear color, see music, and taste words.


Children will identify with the struggle the caterpillar goes through trying to articulate his emotions, and will delight in the inventive band of friends that succeed in cheering him up.


Product Information

absolutely astonishing . . . an astounding piece of work--Raymond Briggs, creator of "The Snowman"

General Fields

  • : 9780500651087
  • : Thames & Hudson, Limited
  • : Thames & Hudson Ltd
  • : 0.37
  • : September 2017
  • : 21.00 cmmm X 27.50 cmmm
  • : United Kingdom
  • : September 2017
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Richard Graham
  • : Hardback
  • : 1
  • : en
  • : E
  • : 32