The Butterfly Alphabet Book

December 1, 1995
PreS-Gr 2-This colorful title opens with the high-flying Apollo butterfly and soars through the Zephyr Metalmark. Two or three sentences describe each species' unique characteristics and provide general information about the insects as well. Readers learn that the Transparent butterfly of the rainforest has see-through wings and that the Magdalena Alpine's "black wings keep it warm" by absorbing light. The stunning airbrushed illustrations are as bright, bold, and beautiful as the butterflies themselves. The dazzling creatures are shown in their native habitats and are painted to scale. There are, of course, many fine butterfly books, such as Dave Beaty's Moths and Butterflies (Child's World, 1993). However, this attractive new title will spark the interest of youngsters and send them off to do further research in the library and in the field.-Amy Adler, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, OH