Up, Up, and Away: Monarch Butterflies

by Marta Magellan, Mauro Magellan (Illustrator), James Gersing (Photographer)

Monarch butterflies are the celebrities of the insect world. You probably know about their famous transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. But what else do you know about them? Are monarchs endangered? Why are there imposters out there imitating them? How do they manage their incredible two-way flights? And what’s up with those Florida monarchs?

Why don’t they behave like the others? The answers may surprise you.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 24, 2024

About the author

Marta Magellan was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has lived in Miami, Florida since the age of seven. She taught Composition, Creative Writing, and Survey of Children’s Literature at Miami Dade College, where she was a full professor and award-winning adviser to Miambiance, the campus literary arts magazine. She has written travel articles for magazines and newspapers but her love for children and profound interest in nature has produced several award-winning children’s books about wild animals, many in collaboration with her brother, Mauro Magellan, an illustrator who has produced work for Albert Whitman, Pelican Press, Scholastic, among others. She has also written children's books for the educational market and a few travel articles on exotic places. She has traveled abroad extensively, and now lives in Miami with her husband and not too far from her beloved son and daughter and grandchildren.

Reviews

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about monarch butterflies covers things I haven't seen in other monarch butterfly picture books, so it's a great addition to library shelves. In particular, I was intrigued to learn about the issues with parasites, and how those are more of a problem due to tropical milkweed thriving year-round (as opposed to native milkweed, which dies off and regrows). The way photos and illustrations are combined in this book also felt unique. And I appreciated the tips for young readers and their families who would like to help butterflies--whether at home, at school, or in the community.

[Aixa Perez-Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fact filled and extremely readable book on the monarch butterfly is packed with fascinating information that is sure to inspire young scientists and naturalists. Each spread offers an abundance of material and ends with a thought-provoking question that will encourage readers to not only continue reading but also to think critically about the natural world and how it works. Both the illustrations and the photographs are stunning, perfectly complementing the text. The photographs, maps, and diagrams not only add visual interest but also enhance the STEM educational experience. In the back matter, readers can find more details on how to become a young scientist, making this book a fantastic resource for schools and homes where children are encouraged to be active thinkers and learners. I highly recommend this book for curious kids, and adults, everywhere.

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always learn from Marta Magellan’s excellent non-fiction books and UP, UP, AND AWAY MONARCH BUTTERFLIES is no exception. I’m a big butterfly fan and loved seeing all the beautiful art and photography throughout this book. I hope that this book motivates butterfly preservation and the preservation of all pollinators. The back matter is filled with action steps for young readers. Another wonderful addition for your home and school library!

[Alison Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful overview of monarch butterflies and the things that threaten them (including a popular form of milkweed!). Excellent use of page turns by posing a question at the bottom of each page that can give readers and young children an opportunity to talk about possible answers before finding out on the next page. Back matter includes solid tips on how to help monarchs and other butterflies. Highly recommend!

[Susan Serino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and enjoyable for children. It's awesome that the author taught wonderful lessons about Monarch butterflies and made the learning interesting and exciting. This is an excellent book with a wealth of knowledge. I love it.

[Lynn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a smart and beautiful science book! UP, UP, AND AWAY! MONARCH BUTTERFLIES delves into the migration of monarchs, the “most studied, tracked, and recognized of all butterflies.” Every year, millions of monarchs fly south to escape cold winters. They use “the position of the sun and the earth’s magnetic fields to find their way.” But, in a fascinating twist, it takes “three or four generations” or “several life cycles” to make it back. Confused? All is clearly explained in the informative text, in concert with vibrant charts, illustrations, and photographs. Extensive back matter points out actionable steps we all can take to help these wonders of nature survive.

[Katie Furze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating book is written in an engaging style and is accompanied by a mixture of detailed illustrations, diagrams, and photographs. Young readers learn all about Monarchs, with a focus on life cycle and migration. The book also covers other biology topics such as instincts, habitats, mimicry and parasites. The back pages give further information on citizen science, how to plant a butterfly garden and a helpful glossary. I learned a lot reading this book and highly recommend it for young readers.

[Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monarch Butterflies: Up, Up, and Away is a vibrant blend of stunning visuals and fascinating facts about these iconic insects. Marta Magellan weaves scientific depth with engaging storytelling, making complex concepts accessible to kids. From their awe-inspiring migration to surprising behaviors, this book captivates curiosity while fostering a love for nature. With Mauro Magellan’s illustrations and James Gersing’s photography, it’s perfect for classrooms, libraries, and budding naturalists. A delightful way to inspire young readers to care for the natural world!

[Anita Crawford Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an elementary teacher, I would have cherished having this book to teach the butterfly's life cycle. Typical science books give a brief description, but this book by Marta Magellan is an incredible resource that every teacher should have for their science units on the lifecycle. This book is full of valuable information on Monarch butterflies. From the insight on their migration, mimic butterflies, and the damage parasites cause, this book teaches, enlightens, and inspires! Outstanding book!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with digestible and insatiable facts about the monarch butterfly, Magellan's book not only gives a wealth of information on each spread but ends with a question prompting readers to turn the page for more. James Gersing's illustration beautifully showcase the information. Photographs, maps, and diagrams add to the visual intrigue. With additional information in the back matter including how to become a citizen scientist, lovers of science and nature will enjoy flying through this book.

[S.A. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This educational book has wonderful resources, including instructions to plant a butterfly garden and a detailed glossary filled with scientific terms. Facts are thoughtfully researched and illustrated to support a deep dive into migration patterns and the life cycle of monarchs in an easy-to-understand way. A great book to supplement classroom instruction. I loved learning all about the monarch butterflies and you will too!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about monarch butterflies and their migration. The fascinating facts and information are presented in an engaging and kid-friendly way. Bright, colorful illustrations and close-up photos of butterflies provide the perfect complement to the text. Practical information about how the reader can get involved in helping monarch butterflies is also included. Highly recommended for schools and libraries, and home collections!

[Helen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monarchs, you never cease to amaze me! This book explores the similarities and differences between the eastern and western monarch populations, and the incredible multi-generation migration they undertake each year. I particularly enjoyed all of the information at the end about what families can do to support, protect, and even study monarchs. A great read for budding citizen scientists and kids curious about butterflies and life cycles.

[Jen Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating book is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the world of the monarch butterfly. It covers everything from the monarch's unique biology and epic migration behavior to the man-made perils it faces now and in the long term. But little readers don't have to worry because extensive backmatter provides clear and actionable ways they can do their part to help these marvels of nature survive and thrive.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful photos in this book showcase the beloved monarch caterpillar and butterfly, providing information about its life cycle including the amazing two-way annual migration. I like how it encourages us to become citizen scientists by planting pesticide-free milkweed and nectaring plants for the butterflies (and it will help other insects as well).

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

The accessible text in Up, Up and Away introduces young readers to Monarchs, the “most studied, tracked, and recognized of all butterflies” in a kid-friendly way. Bright, engaging photographs and graphic support the text and promote visual literacy. I love that this book ends with a call to action, inviting readers to become citizen scientists to help these fascinating insects thrive.

[Donna McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cool, fact-filled book about monarch butterflies! Its kid-friendly language makes learning about the life cycle and migration of the monarchs fun. The illustrations are beautiful and truly bring the text to life. This book would be a great STEM choice for home or classroom use. Highly recommend!

[Christina Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up, Up and Away Monarch Butterflies was a fun and informative book that would easily capture the interest of any young reader. I shared it with my 7-year-old grandson. We loved it from beginning to end. The photographs and illustrations were bright and beautiful. The back matter was an added plus, as we learned how we could plant a butterfly garden. A must-have for any home library.

[Gina Soldano-Herrle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and comprehensive guide to monarch butterflies. Adults and children with both learn from this book; I know I did! Also, I love the empowering activities at the end for readers to get involved with protecting monarchs!

[Bonnie Kelso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool non-fiction all about Monarch butterflies! Traditional illustrations mixed with actual photography help add emotion to the butterflies’ story of survival and heroic travels. Recommended for classrooms and libraries!

[Darcy Pattison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The monarch butterflies are among the best know of butterfly species. This book explains who they are, where they live and migrate and much more. Questions lead the reader through the story in a natural, inquisitive way. Excellent book!

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a vibrant and informative book about Monarchs. I learned so much reading it! The information is presented in a way that is engaging and easy to digest. This book will be a hit for any butterfly-loving kid.

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed and engaging look at the fascinating monarch butterfly. As we learn more about them, the author asks readers to think about how or why they have certain behaviours before delving into the answers on the subsequent pages. I liked the combination of photos and art, and I learned a lot!

[Katey Howes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive and well-researched nonfiction picture book highlighting important information on the monarch species. Includes solid back matter and resources for learning more.

[Pedro Figueroa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monarch Butterflies: Up, Up and Away is an excellent book for children. It is educational, entertaining, and lights a spark for children to be active in helping nature. And it also comes with eye-catching illustration combined with refreshing photography.

As you read, you will be introduced to information in a manner that is engaging. The journey covers some of the history that led to the name given to monarch butterflies. There is also information on their migration paths and tendencies – varying from the many kinds used by the different types of monarchs, such as western monarchs, eastern monarchs, and resident monarchs.

Along the way, you also get to learn about their preferred habitats, foods, challenges they face and safety practices they and other types of butterflies use.

It also educates and encourages children in ways they can help monarchs with habitats, food, etc., such as by becoming a citizen scientist actively doing their part at home in their own yard or in their neighborhood and community.

I and little ones in my family had fun reading this book. The little ones learned and found a new interest they can enjoy. I highly recommend this book for family reading time and for your little ones!

[Lewis P. Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book all the way from the cheery cover to the love shown telling the life story of my favorite butterflies, the beautiful monarchs. Children and adults will both enjoy it. I was surprised to learn so much new information about them, especially their migration, which is covered well. It was a shock to learn that Florida butterflies are so weak from munching on parasitic non-native milkweed that they are too weak to migrate to Mexico. What a shock! But I can do something to help save my monarch butterflies by becoming Citizen Scientist Mary as the book suggests and planting only native milkweed.

[Carmen Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated, very informative children's picture book that all parents, school classrooms and libraries should acquire. It is full of exciting information about monarch butterflies, why and how they migrate and what everyone can do to avoid their extinction. I love the way Marta, the author, encourages young readers to become citizen scientists in order to help these attractive butterflies continue to survive. Great back matter and excellent references and resources at the end! Thank you, Marta.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fact-filled book is a great starting point for young readers who want to learn more about Monarch butterflies! The book includes gorgeous illustrations and lovely photographs and includes information about how Monarchs may have been named, how they migrate, what they eat, and some of the dangers to them. Readers will learn about Monarch look-alikes, why some Monarchs have stopped migrating, and how to become a citizen scientist. Highly recommended for homes, schools, and libraries!

[Tracy Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that will teach younger kids about monarchs and still hold something new to learn for the older end of the picture book reader range, too! Learn about threats to monarchs and how even kids can help them. A great pick for home, school, and library to go along with learning about wildlife and gardening.