How to Raise Monarch Butterflies

July 1, 2012

Gr 4 Up-The monarch butterflies that hatch in the early summer live for two to three weeks, and a female can lay between 400 and 500 eggs. Collecting these eggs or the newly hatched caterpillars and providing them with milkweed leaves-their main food-can help increase the number of late summer and early fall monarchs that live for eight or nine months and make the autumn migration to Mexico. This breezy and down-to-earth text ("greenish poops-called frass") presents mostly generalizations but nicely communicates the wonder of the transformative nature of this species. Especially effective is the eight-picture depiction of the development of the caterpillar into a chrysalis. The full-color photographs are crisp and sharp for the most part and illustrate the life cycle of the monarch and the many tasks that have to be done to ensure that the caterpillars thrive and become butterflies. This work-intensive activity might be better suited to students in a classroom than an individual at home. With so many similar books about the life cycle of the monarch and related crafts and activities, this title becomes an additional purchase.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2012
Grades 1-3 Budding lepidopterists (and their caregivers) will find this small, amply illustrated book both useful and inspirational. Opening pages introduce the monarch butterfly via larger-than-life photographs of a caterpillar and an adult butterfly, with body parts clearly tagged. Next is a section on the complexities of preparing to care for the butterflies and finding eggs to raise. Each set of steps is brief, carefully spelled out, and accompanied by an arrangement of photos, often in the form of a series of sequential small pictures. Chapters describe the life cycle of the monarch, including details about Releasing Your Butterfly, Predators and Perils, and The Incredible Journey. The final chapter gives advice on creating a butterfly garden and a brief section on protection and conservation of butterflies. Straightforward, utilitarian, and attractively laid out, this is similar to Lynn M. Rosenblatt's Monarch Magic! (1998), though less detailed and aimed at a younger audience.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)