Monarch Butterfly

December 1, 1989
Gr 2-4- -Young naturalists will be captivated by this succinctly written, well-organized, brightly illustrated introduction to monarch butterflies. Focusing on a single monarch, the text describes each stage of its metamorphosis, basic physical and behavioral characteristics, diet, and migratory instincts. It then discusses the migration patterns of the species in general, mentions the celebrations held in their honor along the migration route, and ends with simple instructions for raising a butterfly in a jar. (The text instructs readers to pound holes in a jar lid with a hammer and a nail-no safety warning or suggestion to obtain adult help is given.) The last page consists of additional miscellaneous facts. Clear, stylized color drawings accompany the short blocks of text on every page; each is doubly framed by white and yellow backgrounds. There are a number of titles available on the life cycles of butterflies; however, most are on a slightly higher reading level and describe different species. Gibbons' book will be a useful addition to the natural history sections of most school and public libraries. -Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library