Gregory and Alexander

Martha Lamon is a freelance writer and researcher based in Huntsville,
Ontario.

After Gregory the mouse helps Alexander the caterpillar escape the
clutches of an insect collector, an unlikely friendship develops between
them. Gregory tells Alexander that his dream is to fly a kite. But to do
that, he needs one his own size. Alexander wants to help Gregory realize
his dream, so before wrapping himself in his blanket for his nap, he
tells Gregory that he will find a kite for him. But the nap takes a long
time, and Gregory misses his friend. Nothing in his life is as
interesting as the times they shared. Eventually Alexander returns, but
not as his old self. He is now a beautiful monarch butterfly. With the
help of some spider silk, Alexander turns himself into the best kite in
the park just for Gregory. Another encounter with the insect collector,
however, reminds Alexander that he must migrate if he is to survive any
longer. Alexander leaves Gregory with the hope that in the spring, he
may befriend another caterpillar, who will eventually evolve into a new
kite.

Gregory and Alexander explores many aspects of friendship, including
the bond that develops when friends help each other. The gentle story
also shows how friends enjoy each other, share their thoughts, play
together, miss each other when one goes away, adjust when friends
change, and make new friends when old friends have to leave. Young
readers will learn about the life cycle of the caterpillar, which also
acts as a metaphor for the protagonists’ “cycle” of friendship.
Kim LaFave’s soft-toned watercolour illustrations nicely convey the
amiable mood of the story. Recommended.