Milkweed for Monarchs
by Christine Van Zandt (Author) Alejandra Barajas (Illustrator)
Bold, gold, the chrysalis gleams. And deep down inside . . . the butterfly dreams.
Every year, monarch butterflies migrate to warmer climates for overwintering months. However, changing environments make it continually more difficult to find food and places to lay eggs. In this nonfiction picture book, the monarch's life cycle is detailed in lyrical verse as stunning art accompanies each stage in the butterfly's life.
The most recognizable butterfly, monarchs are classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN, and face drastic challenges when it comes to locating food sources--milkweed. Milkweed for Monarchs is the perfect resource for young readers to learn more about these beautiful insects and how they can foster monarch-friendly environments in their own backyard. Backmatter includes actionable ways for readers to help this vulnerable species.
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3--While many books about monarchs focus on their great migration, this one stresses the importance of the milkweed plant to the butterflies' survival, while also presenting a detailed description of their life cycle. The text on each page is in two parts: the top lines are written in simple rhymes, while the bottom lines explain the science in greater detail, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers. Detailed illustrations accompany the text, the best of which depict close-up views of a single egg, various stages of caterpillar growth, and the dreamy blue-green of the chrysalis. Though the larger issues, e.g., how pesticide use and deforestation affect the butterflies' food source, may be lost on younger readers--addressed on the second spread of the book--the vivid illustrations and expressive words make the book a worthwhile purchase. Back matter includes an author's note, fun facts, ways readers can help (by planting milkweed in their garden, for example) and a brief bibliography. VERDICT A strong addition to a library's collection of butterfly books, especially in areas where monarch migration takes place.--Sue Morgan
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Christine Van Zandt is an author, editor, and book reviewer who lives in California with her family.
JNF003250 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Butterflies, Moths & Caterpillars
Monarch butterfly
Milkweeds
