Toestomper and the Caterpillars
Toestomper is the kind of big, ugly bully kids run and hide from, and  his lowlife friends, the Rowdy Ruffians, are no better. So what happens when a bunch of darling baby caterpillars start following Toestomper around asking for help?Finding their big-eyed pleas almost impossible to resist, Toestomper is captivated by the caterpillars' furry helplessness. What's more, after he moves them into his own house and begins taking care of them, he no longer feels quite so lonely and mean. Of course, all this wreaks havoc in his former criminal community. His nasty animal friends--Barfy, Nightmare, and Basher--refuse to accept this angelic transformation in their previous mate-in-mahem. "Toestomper isn't any fun anymore," complains Basher. "All he cares about is those dumb caterpillars."Rooting for the good guy is one thing children love to do, and in this perceptive tale of transformation, readers will find their hearts warming towards Toestomper as he finally realizes that life is much more rewarding when you help people instead of hurt them. Richly illustrated in a detailed airbrush style, Sharleen Collicott has created a delightful collection of unique characters, from the winsome blue caterpillars to the tough, cynical gang members. An enjoyable, funny tale. (Ages 3 to 7)--Marianne Painter