Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Simon takes on a familiar topic in children's nonfiction and makes it fresh again. Opening with the annual 3,000-mile migration of monarch butterflies, the text doesn't imply (as many have done) that any single monarch completes the trip, but points out the wonder of what actually happens: the butterflies find their way despite the fact that they have never made this journey before. This well-focused, clearly written book covers a number of basic topics, such as the differences between butterflies and moths, the stages of their lives, the structures of their bodies, and the enormous variety of species. Children are encouraged to observe butterflies and moths, to keep a journal, and to create a butterfly garden at school or at home. Broad, double-page spreads feature large-type text, plenty of white space, and excellent photos. Often close-ups of exceptional clarity and rich colors, the illustrations work beautifully with the text. Whether helping readers imagine the way these creatures see through their compound eyes or describing the butterflies and moths flying among the dinosaurs as very much like those you see sipping nectar from flowers today, Simon communicates information in ways that are understandable and intriguing to children.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Science writer Simon vividly explores the life cycles of butterflies and moths around the globe: "Butterflies and moths live in high mountains; in deserts and swamps; on cold, windblown Arctic tundra; and in warm tropical rainforests." Simon's often breathtaking photographs offer closeup views of the insects, demonstrating color variations and their incredible transformations from pupa to adult moth or butterfly. Readers will be armed for the field with juicy vocabulary (like proboscis and chrysalis) and tantalizing anatomical descriptions to share ("Butterflies smell with their antennae and taste with their feet"). Ages 5-9. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
Both butterflies and moths are featured in Simon's latest reliably commendable book for younger readers. He begins his clear and friendly explanations with a look at the familiar monarch butterfly and its remarkable annual migration, and then moves to a more general discussion of moth and butterfly life cycles, structure and function, species similarities and variations, and importance to humans. The outstanding full-page color photographs are perfectly in sync with the text, with each focused sharply on the pertinent details or intriguing features of commonly known and exotic specimens. Monarch butterflies receive the most attention in the photographs, moths the least, although a good variety of butterfly species are included. Simon wraps up his discussion with suggestions for butterfly enthusiasts to go forth and observe outdoors, using field guides and journals, and to perhaps even plant a butterfly-attracting garden. A glossary and index are appended. danielle j. ford (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
