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Butterflies
This rhyming easy-to-read non-fiction science reader covers a favorite nature subject taught in the early childhood curriculum -- the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. "Butterflies start as tiny eggs. Out come caterpillars with many legs...."With catchy rhyming text, author Karen Shapiro gives readers a very simple lesson in the process of metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. The spare text, paired with illustrator Jean Cassels' vivid realistic art, follows the fascinating process step-by-step. Readers see the caterpillar being born, eating, growing, shedding skin, gradually changing form inside a chrysalis, then emerging as a beautiful butterfly. The last page of the book catalogs the many different kinds of butterflies that appear inside, each of them identified with their correct names.
32 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Karen Shapiro
11 books12 followersKaren Shapiro, PharmD, BCPS
After studying Urban Planning & Public Policy at Boston University, Dr. Shapiro earned her PharmD from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She completed her Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency at USC before joining the faculty of Western University College of Pharmacy in Pomona, California as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice where she taught for six years and worked in a geriatric clinic. After leaving her position at the College, Dr. Shapiro took a position as an inpatient clinical pharmacist for Los Angeles County in the amputation and orthopedic units, and later served as Director of Medication Therapy Management for a managed care company, where she developed one of the first MTM programs and developed a novel approach to patient assistance in the managed care setting. She currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at Western University. Dr. Shapiro has also authored the textbook Natural Products: A Case-Based Approach for Health Care Professionals, which offers guidelines for integrating herbals and other natural products into the treatment plan of common conditions and health goals.
After studying Urban Planning & Public Policy at Boston University, Dr. Shapiro earned her PharmD from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She completed her Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency at USC before joining the faculty of Western University College of Pharmacy in Pomona, California as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice where she taught for six years and worked in a geriatric clinic. After leaving her position at the College, Dr. Shapiro took a position as an inpatient clinical pharmacist for Los Angeles County in the amputation and orthopedic units, and later served as Director of Medication Therapy Management for a managed care company, where she developed one of the first MTM programs and developed a novel approach to patient assistance in the managed care setting. She currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor at Western University. Dr. Shapiro has also authored the textbook Natural Products: A Case-Based Approach for Health Care Professionals, which offers guidelines for integrating herbals and other natural products into the treatment plan of common conditions and health goals.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 24, 2025
Some books manage to teach without ever feeling like a lesson, and Karen Shapiro has created exactly that kind of magic. This charming, easy-to-read science book turns a beloved childhood subject into a miniature adventure, guiding young readers through one of nature’s most astonishing transformations. From the moment the tiny egg is introduced, the rhythm and rhyme pull you right in, almost like you are growing alongside the caterpillar itself.
Karen’s playful, simple text captures the curiosity and wonder of early childhood perfectly. Every line feels like an invitation to keep turning the page, to see what comes next, to watch a secret of nature unfold. Jean Cassels’ lifelike illustrations deepen that sense of discovery, giving children a true-to-life visual experience as they follow the metamorphosis step-by-step.
What makes this book special is how beautifully it balances education with delight. Children are not just told the process, they feel it, seeing each stage clearly and learning scientific vocabulary without effort. The final catalog of butterfly species is a thoughtful touch, almost like a treasure page rewarding curious eyes with real names and beautiful details.
Karen Shapiro has delivered an engaging, classroom-friendly science book that reads like poetry, teaches like a lesson, and inspires like nature itself. A joyful tribute to growth, curiosity, and the world we live in. A delight for young readers and a gem for educators who want learning to feel like a story, not a chore.
Karen’s playful, simple text captures the curiosity and wonder of early childhood perfectly. Every line feels like an invitation to keep turning the page, to see what comes next, to watch a secret of nature unfold. Jean Cassels’ lifelike illustrations deepen that sense of discovery, giving children a true-to-life visual experience as they follow the metamorphosis step-by-step.
What makes this book special is how beautifully it balances education with delight. Children are not just told the process, they feel it, seeing each stage clearly and learning scientific vocabulary without effort. The final catalog of butterfly species is a thoughtful touch, almost like a treasure page rewarding curious eyes with real names and beautiful details.
Karen Shapiro has delivered an engaging, classroom-friendly science book that reads like poetry, teaches like a lesson, and inspires like nature itself. A joyful tribute to growth, curiosity, and the world we live in. A delight for young readers and a gem for educators who want learning to feel like a story, not a chore.
November 15, 2023
This is a beautifully illustrated nonfiction book for early readers. The narrative is short, with a big font, and explains the butterfly life cycle.
The illustrations are very realistic and colorful and I love that there are 21 different butterflies that are identified at the end of the book.
The illustrations are very realistic and colorful and I love that there are 21 different butterflies that are identified at the end of the book.
November 16, 2009
It amazes me..some of the words Abby can read on her own from this Kindergarten to Grade 2 level book
October 20, 2024
Through easy rhyming text, the life cycle of a butterfly is explored in full vibrant colors.
March 12, 2013
The life cycle of the butterfly is taught through rhyme.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews