Wingmaker

Wingmaker is about Gramma Tinker’s transformation from caterpillar to moth as seen through the eyes of Leaf and Lou, two hardworking worker ants. Gramma Tinker is an eastern tent caterpillar who, in her spare time, creates weird and wonderful tools for work and recreation, things such as a 14-pedal bike or a handy wagon. For her next greatest invention, Gramma Tinker is creating a contraption for flight. She interviews various colourful airborne characters, such as a fly, a hummingbird, and a bat, to learn about the different mechanics of flight. Factors such as weight, wingspan, wing speed, direction, taking off, landing, and gliding are taken into consideration as she enters into a final two week long design phase. At the end of the story, readers await excitedly, along with Leaf and Lou, as the fruit of Gramma Tinker’s labour is unveiled.

The story is an intriguing take around the metamorphosis of the eastern tent caterpillar, creatures that are commonly seen during spring throughout North America, and which regularly elicit strong emotions from wonder to revulsion. Dave Cameron’s story, by seamlessly incorporating themes of science and biology into his lively storytelling and with David Huyck’s beautiful illustrations, invites the young audience to investigate further. The author’s interesting cast of supporting characters introduces some basic facts about flight that are sure to prompt curious discussions. Additional knowledge, provided at the end of the story, details the transformation process of tent caterpillars, beginning with the 77-day long caterpillar form, then staying in a cocoon for two weeks, before finally taking flight in moth form.

The bright, vividly detailed illustrations in Wingmaker capture the spirit of spring and the wonders of nature. During this special time of lockdowns in many provinces in Canada, Wingmaker could bring readers a sense of adventure and encourage the children go to nature and explore the insects around them.