Butterfly Suits

by Marcy Kelman, Nadeem Zaidi (Illustrator), Andy Mastrocinque (Illustrator)

When Annie's new caterpillar friend misses his ride to the "Tree of Many Colors," it is up to Leo, Quincy, Annie, and June to get him there, and they are thrilled to discover that the new outfit he receives turns him into a monarch butterfly.

Genres: Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Amanda Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not even sure what is going on here. Maybe if you watch Little Einstein's this book makes sense? Apparently the Little Einstein's are going to Vincent Van Gogh's field picture in person to look for butterflies?

You learn a bit about butterflies and it is cute that they talk about the caterpillars 'changing their clothes' but honestly the extra songs, art, etc just confuses this issue for younger readers. Not to mention it is not at all clear how to sing the songs in the book--maybe they are just sing-songs? Maybe you have to watch the show?

[Liz Goble · Rating 1 out of 5]

My 4 year old picked out this book at the library. Despite my dislike of the show's inaccuracies, I let him bring it home. My beef with the Little Einstein show and now this book: They are trying to teach kids, yet they weave ridiculous things into the stories. Okay, so it was obvious to my four year old that caterpillars don't actually drive trucks. He got that. What was confusing to him and me was why the book kept insisting caterpillars need to make it to the "Magical Tree of Many Colors" in order to go through metamorphosis. The book carefully walks the kids through the scientific process, which I loved, but also kept insisting on the ridiculous tree being a part of it. Let's not confuse kids, please!

[Brendan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My three-year-old has learned the words "larva," "chrysalis," "metamorphosis," and "proboscis" from this book. He can also identify the various types of insects, and has fun following the transformation of the caterpillar into a "beautiful monarch butterfly." Great for any 3-4 year old child who likes the LE cartoon.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little science book that explains how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. Shows actual photos of the metamorphoses.