Bubba the caterpillar is a 'fraidy-cat. He won't move even one of his sixteen feet off the plant where he was born. Then he meets Trixie, a ladybug who lives life to the fullest, despite her one crumpled wing. Trixie convinces Bubba to leave his plant and his fears behind and explore the garden below with her. The two friends spend every day of the summer together, having more fun than Bubba had ever imagined, and every night wishing on the stars. Trixie's wish is to touch the stars; Bubba's wish is that everything will stay just as it is, forever. When Trixie gently explains that caterpillars eventually turn into butterflies, Bubba refuses to listen. He will not change in fact, he will build a house around himself so tight that there will be no room for change. That way he can be sure that Trixie will always be his friend. After a long winter's sleep in his cocoon, Bubba awakes to find Trixie waiting nearby. He feels like himself but, as Trixie points out, there is much more to him now. He is a beautiful butterfly, and not only is he still friends with Trixie, he can help her reach the stars.