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Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1
From Caterpillar to Butterfly
A caterpillar comes to school in a jar and the class watches the caterpillar each day as it grows and changes. Soon, it disappears into a hard shell called a chrysalis. Where did it go? This is a perfect beginner's guide to the mystery of metamorphosis. Named as a NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, this book explains the life cycle from caterpillar to butterfly with easy-to-follow prose from Deborah Heiligman and warm, colorful illustrations from Bari Weissman. This is a Stage 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explains simple science concepts for preschoolers and kindergarteners. Let's-Read-And-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series. Supports the Common Core Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 1996
27 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Heiligman
41 books160 followersDeborah Heiligman has been writing for children since she worked at Scholastic News soon after college. Since then she has written more than thirty books for children and teens. Her books include picture books, both fiction and nonfiction, and young adult nonfiction and fiction. Some titles: Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith, a National Book Award finalist; The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos, a Cook Prize Winner and Orbis Pictus honor; Intentions, a Sydney Taylor Award winner, and a picture book series about Tinka the dog. Her latest book is Vincent and Theo: The van Gogh Brothers. For more information please visit www.DeborahHeiligman.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book because this book was very similar to my kindergarten class. They are similar because in kindergarten class we got caterpillars and they turn into butterflies and then we let them out into the open.
April 4, 2013
S2L1. Students will investigate the life cycles of different living organisms.
a. Determine the sequence of the life cycle of common animals in your area: a mammal
such as a cat or dog or classroom pet, a bird such as a chicken, an amphibian such as
a frog, and an insect such as a butterfly.
b. Relate seasonal changes to observations of how a tree changes throughout a school
year.
c. Investigate the life cycle of a plant by growing a plant from a seed and by recording
changes over a period of time.
d. Identify fungi (mushroom) as living organisms.
a. Determine the sequence of the life cycle of common animals in your area: a mammal
such as a cat or dog or classroom pet, a bird such as a chicken, an amphibian such as
a frog, and an insect such as a butterfly.
b. Relate seasonal changes to observations of how a tree changes throughout a school
year.
c. Investigate the life cycle of a plant by growing a plant from a seed and by recording
changes over a period of time.
d. Identify fungi (mushroom) as living organisms.
November 30, 2016
o Summary: This book is about a caterpillar is being watched by a classroom. The class observes it changing from a caterpillar into a butterfly. The class learns about metamorphosis up close and personal.
o Grade level: Kindergarten
o Appropriate classroom use: I would use this book in my kindergarten class in the science portion of class to teach them more about metamorphosis
o Individual students who might benefit from reading: children who need to learn more about metamorphosis by looking at picture and reading a few words.
o Small group use: I would not use this book for small group since it is for such a young group of students and they most likely do not know how to read it just yet. This is something that would be done with a whole class.
o Whole class use: I would use this in the whole class by reading it during our science lesson and maybe also having a real life caterpillar of our own.
o Related books in genre/subject or content area: How Do Caterpillars Become Butterflies?
o Multimedia connections available: videos on Youtube that show a elapsed time of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
o Grade level: Kindergarten
o Appropriate classroom use: I would use this book in my kindergarten class in the science portion of class to teach them more about metamorphosis
o Individual students who might benefit from reading: children who need to learn more about metamorphosis by looking at picture and reading a few words.
o Small group use: I would not use this book for small group since it is for such a young group of students and they most likely do not know how to read it just yet. This is something that would be done with a whole class.
o Whole class use: I would use this in the whole class by reading it during our science lesson and maybe also having a real life caterpillar of our own.
o Related books in genre/subject or content area: How Do Caterpillars Become Butterflies?
o Multimedia connections available: videos on Youtube that show a elapsed time of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
May 5, 2015
Informational
This book was okay. It wasn't the most interesting, it was very straight forward which is fine because it is an informational book but i think the author could have made it a little more engaging.
I think this book would be good to have in the centers area in the classroom after using for a read aloud. Students would be able to read this during their own time as well, especially in the spring when butterflies are being talked about and possibly having their own butterflies in the classroom that they get to release at the end of the cycle. This book would be great for ages 4-8, so for younger students, read aloud would be great and for the older students they can read it on their own and see what conclusions they can come up with.
I think the illustrations were well done and colorful enough to look interesting for the students and the information was accurate and i felt it was good, just could have been a little more engaging.
This book was okay. It wasn't the most interesting, it was very straight forward which is fine because it is an informational book but i think the author could have made it a little more engaging.
I think this book would be good to have in the centers area in the classroom after using for a read aloud. Students would be able to read this during their own time as well, especially in the spring when butterflies are being talked about and possibly having their own butterflies in the classroom that they get to release at the end of the cycle. This book would be great for ages 4-8, so for younger students, read aloud would be great and for the older students they can read it on their own and see what conclusions they can come up with.
I think the illustrations were well done and colorful enough to look interesting for the students and the information was accurate and i felt it was good, just could have been a little more engaging.
February 5, 2024
When their teacher brings a caterpillar to school, the students are able to watch it undergo metamorphosis. The book describes the caterpillar's life from egg to butterfly. The illustrations are colorful and do a good job of interpreting the book's text. Young readers are introduced to words like: metamorphosis, larva, molting, and chrysalis.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
November 4, 2017
1) no awards
2) Appropriate grade level - Kindergarten-3rd grade
3) Summary - This informational text takes place in a school classroom. It shows the step by step process from caterpillar egg to beautiful butterfly! It explains and visually shows the process of metamorphosis.
4) Review - I love that this book is informational, but presents itself as a story. It depicts cartoon like illustrations of children learning in the classroom, which students could easily relate to. I also like that the last pages of the book show the different types of butterflies along with their different habitats.
5) Many third grade students study the life cycle of a butterfly, and actually conduct this experiment during the school year. Reading this book with students before this project would be a nice introduction to the topic of metamorphosis of a butterfly as it mirrors much of what they will be doing in their own classroom.
For younger students, a teacher could set up a felt activity. Students could use a variety of felt pieces to create a butterfly of their own. They could also be given an egg, a caterpillar, and a chrysalis made out of felt. These can be put on a felt board and can be used as another visual aid to see the life cycle of a butterfly.
2) Appropriate grade level - Kindergarten-3rd grade
3) Summary - This informational text takes place in a school classroom. It shows the step by step process from caterpillar egg to beautiful butterfly! It explains and visually shows the process of metamorphosis.
4) Review - I love that this book is informational, but presents itself as a story. It depicts cartoon like illustrations of children learning in the classroom, which students could easily relate to. I also like that the last pages of the book show the different types of butterflies along with their different habitats.
5) Many third grade students study the life cycle of a butterfly, and actually conduct this experiment during the school year. Reading this book with students before this project would be a nice introduction to the topic of metamorphosis of a butterfly as it mirrors much of what they will be doing in their own classroom.
For younger students, a teacher could set up a felt activity. Students could use a variety of felt pieces to create a butterfly of their own. They could also be given an egg, a caterpillar, and a chrysalis made out of felt. These can be put on a felt board and can be used as another visual aid to see the life cycle of a butterfly.
December 1, 2017
Grade level: Kindergarten- First grade
Awards: None
Summary: From Caterpillar to Butterfly by Deborah Heiligman is a book about a class that has just been given a caterpillar in a jar. The students watch as the caterpillar eats, grows, and changes. Through this fun story the students learn about the process of metamorphosis.
Review: This book is great to introduce the life cycle of a butterfly to young students. They will want to raise their own butterflies in class after reading this fun story. The illustrations would grab any students' attention because they are brightly colored and realistic.
Classroom uses: This story could be used during their science lesson to teach about the life cycle of a butterfly. The students could be asked to draw out the life cycle of a butterfly using this book as reference. Real caterpillars could also be brought into the classroom so the students could watch them turn into butterflies right in their classroom.
Awards: None
Summary: From Caterpillar to Butterfly by Deborah Heiligman is a book about a class that has just been given a caterpillar in a jar. The students watch as the caterpillar eats, grows, and changes. Through this fun story the students learn about the process of metamorphosis.
Review: This book is great to introduce the life cycle of a butterfly to young students. They will want to raise their own butterflies in class after reading this fun story. The illustrations would grab any students' attention because they are brightly colored and realistic.
Classroom uses: This story could be used during their science lesson to teach about the life cycle of a butterfly. The students could be asked to draw out the life cycle of a butterfly using this book as reference. Real caterpillars could also be brought into the classroom so the students could watch them turn into butterflies right in their classroom.
November 9, 2017
Awards the book has received (if any); none
Appropriate grade level(s); kindergarten- 2nd
Original 3-line summary; With cute animations, this informational text shows the life of a caterpillar to a butterfly ( just as the title says). It goes through stage by stage to help children learn about the life cycle of a butterfly.
Original 3-line review: I thought this book was really good for the younger grades to show the lifecycle. I think it is different than what most teachers would choose to show children the life cycle. I also like that this book is part of a series because it will be helpful for many different life cycles.
2-3 possible in-class uses; You can bring a class caterpillar and use it along with the book to have children understand more.
-Relate it to other life cycles and compare them.
Appropriate grade level(s); kindergarten- 2nd
Original 3-line summary; With cute animations, this informational text shows the life of a caterpillar to a butterfly ( just as the title says). It goes through stage by stage to help children learn about the life cycle of a butterfly.
Original 3-line review: I thought this book was really good for the younger grades to show the lifecycle. I think it is different than what most teachers would choose to show children the life cycle. I also like that this book is part of a series because it will be helpful for many different life cycles.
2-3 possible in-class uses; You can bring a class caterpillar and use it along with the book to have children understand more.
-Relate it to other life cycles and compare them.
December 2, 2017
1. Awards: None
2. Kindergarten—3rd grade
3. With colorful illustrations and simple, easy-to-follow steps, this book offers insight on the life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly. The mystery of metamorphosis is taught by children in the story observing it. This informational text provides simple science concept for young science learners.
4. This easy and simple book, children are bound to take away some new knowledge. The children are allowed to see a class observe the butterfly in the book, just like what they might be doing in a classroom. It is relevant and fun to learn about.
5. In the classroom:
Students may have their own butterflies in the classroom. Students can compare their experiences to the one in the text and make observations.
Students can draw the stages of a caterpillar’s life cycle, to reinforce what they have learned.
2. Kindergarten—3rd grade
3. With colorful illustrations and simple, easy-to-follow steps, this book offers insight on the life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly. The mystery of metamorphosis is taught by children in the story observing it. This informational text provides simple science concept for young science learners.
4. This easy and simple book, children are bound to take away some new knowledge. The children are allowed to see a class observe the butterfly in the book, just like what they might be doing in a classroom. It is relevant and fun to learn about.
5. In the classroom:
Students may have their own butterflies in the classroom. Students can compare their experiences to the one in the text and make observations.
Students can draw the stages of a caterpillar’s life cycle, to reinforce what they have learned.
April 11, 2018
Summary:
This informational children’s picture book is about a caterpillar that lives in a jar in a classroom for the students to observe. Each day the class watches as the caterpillar grows and begins to change. The caterpillar mysteriously disappears one day, leaving a hard shell behind. The book ends on this note leaving the young readers to guess what is to come!
Analysis:
This children’s book is not only an informational book but it also has a fun story to read along to. The author does a great job at keeping the story suspenseful but also throwing in informational facts to learn from as well. I love how Deborah Heiligman leaves the story open-ended to leave the readers in literary suspense. The illustrations throughout the book are great as well! The drawings are colorful and simple providing the readers with a visual representation of the text.
This informational children’s picture book is about a caterpillar that lives in a jar in a classroom for the students to observe. Each day the class watches as the caterpillar grows and begins to change. The caterpillar mysteriously disappears one day, leaving a hard shell behind. The book ends on this note leaving the young readers to guess what is to come!
Analysis:
This children’s book is not only an informational book but it also has a fun story to read along to. The author does a great job at keeping the story suspenseful but also throwing in informational facts to learn from as well. I love how Deborah Heiligman leaves the story open-ended to leave the readers in literary suspense. The illustrations throughout the book are great as well! The drawings are colorful and simple providing the readers with a visual representation of the text.
Read
May 15, 2019-Kindergarten to third grade
-This book goes through the stages of becoming a butterfly. It has colorful clear pictures on every page to illustrate the stops.
-The book presents the information in a story like the way even though it is a factual book. I love the presentation of the information. It is simple and easy to understand with the pictures.
-Butterflies can be brought into the class and observed. You can take a trip outside to try and find the different stages for the butterflies.
-This book goes through the stages of becoming a butterfly. It has colorful clear pictures on every page to illustrate the stops.
-The book presents the information in a story like the way even though it is a factual book. I love the presentation of the information. It is simple and easy to understand with the pictures.
-Butterflies can be brought into the class and observed. You can take a trip outside to try and find the different stages for the butterflies.
February 9, 2018
Sweet, educational book that simply explains the process of metamorphosis from the perspective of young kids in a classroom. This would be a very nice book for a primary-grade classroom that is studying butterflies or planting a butterfly garden.
April 27, 2018
This book does a good job simply telling the process of metamorphosis. I think children find this topic very engaging because one familiar animals is being transformed into another familiar animal. This book could be a good introduction to a caterpillar life cycle lesson.
February 19, 2019
Wonderful early reader about he life cycle of a butterfly. Brought back great memories of raising butterflies back in elementary school. Do kids still do that these days? Simple phrases and pleasant illustrations make this accessible to the youngest learner.
July 7, 2025
Todos los libros de esta colección son excelentes materiales para que lo niños (ya haste un mismo) aprendan de diversos temas que los hacen desarrollar la curiosidad científica.
Recomiendo ampliamente.
Recomiendo ampliamente.
October 11, 2017
I think this is a great book to show the transition of caterpillar to butterflly
September 10, 2019
This children book is a great book to include in a science lesson plan to help our children understand the stages of how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.
Read
February 9, 2021This story is all about metamorphosis and the caterpillar's life stages and how the children observe it.
March 26, 2021
I loved the facts scattered throughout.
August 8, 2021
Really good explanation written for young kids -maybe 5-10 years old- of the life cycle of a butterfly.
Read
November 17, 20214 copies available
April 13, 2022
This book is part of the Look and Find Science series. This book has some information and illustrations to teach younger students about the caterpillar to butterfly process.
May 31, 2023
Wonderful little book about the life cycle of a butterfly. Perfect for early readers.
October 5, 2024
I have a Big Book copy of this that I share with my students with special needs.
January 23, 2025
This book clearly explains to kids a butterfly's journey from pupa to chrysalis to butterfly with words and lovely art.
May 10, 2025
Read this again!! Great science lessons while also being creative.
December 13, 2016
Great read for young readers! Gets them a jump start on science lessons!
October 14, 2016
I chose to put this book on my favorites shelf because it is a great book for teaching the life cycle of a butterfly. This book has many pictures and descriptions as you go along, giving the reader little bits of information that would not have been depicted by just a picture and the text. This book is colorful, shows students in the classroom that are studying the cycle of the butterfly, and the students look excited as they figure out what will happen as it grows. At the end of the book there is guide that shows many different types of caterpillars and their butterflies, their names and where they are from. This book would be great for Primary Readers. This book would be best used as a read aloud to the class or read one on one with an adult.
Genre: Science/Non-Fiction
I would love to use this book in my classroom as I hope to teach younger grades. I would read this book to the class to introduce the life cycle of the butterfly during science period. I then would ask many questions that pertain to the story and check for understanding and scientific thinking. I would love to have enough for the whole class so they can follow along as I read and/or take it home to read with an adult. Then have them do an activity that relates to the butterfly cycle.
Genre: Science/Non-Fiction
I would love to use this book in my classroom as I hope to teach younger grades. I would read this book to the class to introduce the life cycle of the butterfly during science period. I then would ask many questions that pertain to the story and check for understanding and scientific thinking. I would love to have enough for the whole class so they can follow along as I read and/or take it home to read with an adult. Then have them do an activity that relates to the butterfly cycle.
Read
December 10, 2012There are many informational books that are filled with facts and don't always succeed in helping us understand the material. This book is designed to allow primary leveled students learn about the change of a caterpillar through experiment and detailed illustrations. This book illustrates a classroom learning how caterpillars become butterflies through and experiment that they conduct in their classroom. The fictional classroom follows a step by step order that allows them to witness the change of a caterpillar over time. It is nicely illustrated and includes a couple of diagrams that are easy for students to understand. This book introduces students to scientific observation. It also familiarizes them with new scientific vocabulary that will be crucial for them to understand in the future. This book succeeds in presenting students to topics on insects and metamorphism by helping them to understand the process of change. This book will be useful for young readers. Overall, The step by step experiment and illustrations are inviting for all readers.
February 22, 2014
Wow! What a great informational text for young children. "From Caterpillar to Butterfly" by Deborah Heiligman is a wonderful story set in the classroom of students watching the life cycle of a caterpillar transform into a butterfly. Since the setting is a classroom, I think this book would be perfectly appropriate to incorporate into a science lesson for K-2 grade students. I believe it would be a great read-aloud for kindergarten students and perhaps some first graders too because the author uses real science vocabulary terms such as metamorphosis, chrysalis, and proboscis.
I believe this non-fiction text would align nicely with a science lesson, especially if you were able to do the same project in your own classroom with the kids. At the end of the lesson or project, the students could go outside and look for different kinds of butterflies. The back of the book includes names and pictures of different types of butterflies, and the geographic location of where you can find them. Definitely a great text to have in the primary grades' classroom! Highly recommend!
I believe this non-fiction text would align nicely with a science lesson, especially if you were able to do the same project in your own classroom with the kids. At the end of the lesson or project, the students could go outside and look for different kinds of butterflies. The back of the book includes names and pictures of different types of butterflies, and the geographic location of where you can find them. Definitely a great text to have in the primary grades' classroom! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews