Monarch and Milkweed

by Helen Frost (Author) Leonid Gore (Illustrator)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

One of nature's most perfect relationships

Every spring the monarch butterfly migrates thousands of miles in search of the ideal milkweed plant. When she finds it, she lays her eggs on the plant, so when each egg hatches, the baby caterpillar can feed on the milkweed leaves. The milkweed plant then provides the perfect protection as the caterpillar turns into one of nature's wonders, a chrysalis, before transforming into an even greater wonder: a monarch butterfly. And once the newborn butterfly soars away, the milkweed seeds fly away on the wind and start this cycle over again. The exacting prose and jewel-toned illustrations echo the harmony of monarch and milkweed in this carefully researched book, explaining one of nature's most spectacular displays in a refreshingly simple manner.

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School Library Journal

Starred Review
Gr 14This lyrical nonfiction picture book emphasizes the special relationship between the monarch and its host plant, the milkweed. Readers see the last phase of the butterfly's northward migration; the milkweed-dependent cycle of egg, chrysalis, and caterpillar; and the beginnings of the new journey south. Progression of the milkweed's growth cycle is interwoven with that of the monarch. Scientific information is offered in a poetic way that conveys a sense of awe at the wonders of nature, infusing feeling into the facts without anthropomorphizing. The gentle illustrations with soft colors and a grainy focus create a sense of quiet inevitability. The narrative remains butterfly-centric throughout, with no human observers wanted or needed. An author's note provides additional information but retains the sense of wonder, daring readers to dream as it explains that "Although we have learned a lot about Monarch and Milkweed, many mysteries remain for future scientists to explore." A lovely choice for natural-science curricula or for simple enjoyment."Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL" Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Helen Frost
Helen Frost is the author of Monarch and Milkweed as well as six novels-in-poems for children and young adults. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Rick Lieder is a nature photographer, artist, and book-jacket designer. He lives in Michigan.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781416900856
Lexile Measure
700
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date
March 04, 2008
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF003120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Insects, Spiders, etc.
JNF051050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Biology
Library of Congress categories
Butterflies
Life cycles
Monarch butterfly
Buckaroo Book Award
Nominee 2009 - 2010

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