Told in verse, this tale is about timid young Willy growing up in rural Nicholas County, West Virginia.
At home he is messy, at school he is tardy and he never has the right answer. His teacher scolds him and his classmates laugh at him. He just doesnÕt Òfit in.Ó
One day his teacher gives Willy a dreaded assignment to research worms and present it to class the next day. As he falls asleep that night, he has nightmares of a land inhabited by feisty millipedes, centipedes and slimy earthworms. But there also dwells a kind Monarch Caterpillar named ÒWonder.Ó
When the worms discover Willy, they are outraged to be in the company of a human Ð but not ÒWonder.Ó He is pleased.
This story should appeal to all those who prefer shy, unlikely heroes that perform stunning feats of courage. This is not only about a wondrous dream Ð it is about friendship and transformation. A lowly caterpillar morphs into a beautiful butterfly and a timid boyÕs confidence soars.
They finally get their Òwings.Ó