Colourful caterpillars in printed form came all the way from Germany to gladden the hearts of children in the Limpopo Province.

Five-year-olds from the pre-primary class of the Thuringia International School in Weimar, Germany, are the authors of the Caterpillar Senses Book Series, books written by children for other children.

So, how did it happen that these little caterpillars found themselves in books telling the world what they see, feel, smell, taste and hear?

The children in Germany were inspired by their teacher, formerly from Limpopo, to become authors and illustrators of their own books when they learned about stories, authors, the setting and characters in a story. At the same time, they were encouraged to discover the world by using their five senses.

The pre-schoolers made their caterpillars at home and returned them to school, together with instructions on how to make them. They decided on which sounds, tastes, visual images, textures and smells their caterpillar would encounter in the story. The young students painted eight background pictures for the setting of the story, after which the caterpillar was photographed on the background pictures.

About a year ago, the books were completed and the German children experienced the feeling of holding their own books in their hands. Each book includes the instructions on how to make the caterpillar and information about the author.

Their teacher, Ms Mari Pienaar, encouraged the new authors to share their books with young readers in South Africa. “The receivers of these books will have the opportunity to improve their reading skills by reading a series of books which have repetitive words that they will be able to read individually, as well as new everyday vocabulary that will expand their reading abilities,” says Pienaar. They wish to encourage the receivers of the books to become authors and illustrators themselves. Children’s horizons are also broadened when they link up with children from another part of the world.

Funds were generated in Germany to have the series printed, Ladies Circle 4 of Louis Trichardt became involved, and on April 25 the official presentation of the books occurred in Louis Trichardt.

About 43 sets, with 18 little books in each set, were presented to teachers from 11 schools in Limpopo at a function hosted at the restaurant of the Agapé Christian Centre.

“I am motivated and stimulated by the Caterpillar Senses books. What a great discovery about these little 5- and 6-year-olds. Their creativity made me wonder if I really trusted my kids to be creative… I am greatly empowered to do more,” said Ms Cecilia Mudau, Grade R teacher of Gondolikhethwa Christian School. Other schools represented include Primary Schools Tshikwarani, Tshilwavhusiko, Madodanga, Louis Trichardt and Dzanani. In Limpopo, Ladies Cir-cle 4 facilitated the project. Ms Sonel Prinsloo, chairperson of Ladies Circle 4, did the presentation of the books to the teachers. “The teachers and children were all very happy about the books,” Prinsloo said. She was accompanied by Ladies Circle members Ms Ria van Zyl and Des Viljoen. Ms Stienie Fourie of Tshikwarani explained the background and purpose of the project.

The books were printed in Louis Trichardt by Leach Printers and the main sponsor was the Bayer Pharmaceutical company in Germany. The German children and parents also raised money towards the project.

“My children are going to make their own caterpillar. Thanks a lot,” said Norah, a Grade R teacher at Dzanani Primary School.