Below is the content I’ve written and drawn for Niamh, who is directing the zine for the production.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE BIGGEST CATERPILLAR
By Sally Silkworm
As a senior editor here at Mos-Jito Publications, I never thought I would have an opportunity as rare and lucky as this: to sit down with Mr Ornithoptera Goliath himself in an exclusive interview. What makes this monumental caterpillar tick?
The bar is buzzing with life, and all types of insects have crawled out of the woodwork to get a drink this evening. What do you expect after the afternoon’s refreshing rainfall? I notice as I sit down with Mr Goliath that many pairs of eyes – often belonging to the same creature – were laid upon us. Goliath seems not to notice: he’s clearly used to the attention and fame an insect of his stature attracts. We get some Buzzweiser – the round’s on me, as he’s too busy eating to order – and settle down for the interview.
So, Mr Goliath, it’s a privilege to speak to you. I’ll start simple – where are you from? Where do you call home?
[Mr Goliath shovels fresh fistfuls of leaves into his mouth and avoids eye contact. I can tell from his wistful gaze that wherever it is, he holds his homeleaf dear to his heart.]
Simply enlightening. Next – and I’m sure our readers are all aching to know – what has been difficult about your newfound fame? All this attention must have its drawbacks: maybe you lost the girl you loved as you rose to the top; maybe you became estranged from friends and family?
[Mr Goliath doesn’t pause eating to answer – utterly typical, simple, showstopping. I fancy from a particularly loud chew that underneath all that glorious fat lies a hidden, tortured soul.]
And Mr Goliath, what sort of leaf would you say is your favourite? Do you go in for brand-name buddleias, spicy nettles, or the cosy, homely taste of bramble?
[No verbal response from this caterpillar celebrity, but his muteness speaks volumes: this is a caterpillar uninfluenced by sponsors or product placement, who would never sell out.]
That’s all we have time for, Mr Goliath, but it has been an absolute pleasure.
What a mysterious, handsome beast!
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
WITH Zizina the Caterpillar
PINK GLITTER
I love to accessorise! Here’s my advice for any aspiring fashionistas out there: sprinkle some pink glitter on your leaves before you eat them, so beauty can be inside AND outside you!
SPARE BRA
Always be prepared! My bra straps are so thin that a particularly big brunch can snap the straps right off. This bra is from Marks and Pincers – my go to for affordable, replaceable fashion.
LIPSTICK
I like my lips to be kissable at all hours. You never know when you could meet your dream guy! This lipstick is in the shade Look of Love from MayBeeline.
85 PAIRS OF BALLET FLATS
I keep spare shoes for those long walks home from the club when my high heels won’t stop hurting. The change is nice, but I need a whole separate bag to keep so many SHOES in. First world problems, am I right?
SEASIDE ILLUSTRATION 