When Bear observes Caterpillar constructing a cocoon, he wonders what it means. Caterpillar tells Bear that he’ll need to stay inside for a while, but he promises to return. A born worrier, Bear isn’t so sure. He makes repeated visits to Caterpillar’s cocoon to check that he’s not bothered by the wind and rain, the winter snow, and the dark of night. Each time Caterpillar reassures Bear that he’s fine and tells his friend not to worry. But when Bear discovers the empty cocoon, “he started worrying all over again.” His fears are laid to rest when a newly emerged silk moth alights on Bear’s paw to speak the familiar words of a friend: “Don’t worry, Bear,” he says, “I’m right here!” The story’s gentle message is matched by simple illustrations of Bear and Caterpillar on uncluttered backdrops of muted earth tones. Highly Commended, 2009 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–6)

A caterpillar reassures a worried bear that they will see each other again when the caterpillar emerges from its cocoon.