Author: Carmen Bredeson
Illustrator: Lindsey Cousins
Publication Info: Enslow Elementary, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3980-3
Source: publisher-provided complimentary copy
Intended audience: PreK through first grade
Genre: nonfiction, picture book (24 pages)
Themes/topics: butterflies, nature
Opening and synopsis: “A butterfly starts out as an egg. A tiny caterpillar hatches from the egg. It eats and grows.” Using simple language, Bredeson describes how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. Then she challenges young readers to learn about nine different types of butterflies and spot them in nature.
Why I like this book: This book invites children to become butterfly experts. Rather than just feeding them facts about butterflies, it encourages them to explore their own backyards, parks and open spaces and see if they can tell a Monarch from a Viceroy. Stunning time-lapse photography shows a caterpillar forming a chrysalis and emerging as a butterfly. Additional, close up photographs show primary features of each butterfly. Simple language geared towards first-grade readers make this a wonderful book for progressing readers.
Resources/activities: Raising butterflies is always a favorite for small children. You can order caterpillars through Insect Lore. Also, if you are on the migration path for monarch butterflies, you can record your sightings online.
Kirsten W. Larson 
This sounds fantastic, Kirsten! I want to see that time lapse photography, and maybe the pictures would help me identify the butterflies that have been visiting the flowers on my deck! I think we better figure out how to sneak this one into PPB! 🙂
I guess I should have waited until Friday. But I was so eager to post it. 🙂
In the store already? Looks like a nice one for one of my favorite teachers!
It is. Library binding is tougher to find, but you can get it from Enslow. Paperback is readily available.
Thanks Kirsten!
I love the idea of a call to action, and the simplicity of the language.
It’s a wonderful book for young readers. Cooper will devour it, I’m sure.
Kirsten, I always appreciate these reviews. Out of curiosity, how do you go about keeping a fresh supply of booking coming through the house? Thanks!
Paul, I get most of them through the library. I get a lot of recommendations from Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Fridays (resuming Sept. 7). Then I put them on hold. I normally have 30+ books out at a time! I also hear about new books from other kidlit-focused bloggers. I buy books we love that I know we’ll read over and over. If I’m ok with paperback, I’ll often buy through Scholastic.
This sounds really cute. I think Josie would like this book! 🙂