The Monarch's Progress: Poems with Wings

by Avis Harley

A masterful collection by the author of Fly With Poetry and Sea Stars. Why are butterflies so universally loved? Is it the dazzling colors in exquisite winged art? Is it our reaction to amazing feats of flight? Is it the miracle of change that fascinates us—that wonderful metamorphosis from tiny egg to brilliant insect? Avis Harley explores these questions and the many others that have captivated humans throughout history. Eighteen structured poems—haikus, tanka, sonnets, villanelles, and other forms—examine how monarch butterflies taste with their feet, migrate 2500 miles every year, and cover entire forest groves when they rest. A Small Matters section at the back explains the fact and science in the poems refer.

Genres: Poetry, Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Avis Harley has written several books of poetry for children, including THE MONARCH'S PROGRESS: POEMS WITH WINGS. She lives in Vancouver.

Reviews

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to learn about Monarch’s.
This is a good place to start!

[Oleander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn all about butterflys by reading poems about them. Some of the poetic forms are very difficult and the author nails them. They are still delightful and easy to read. Lots of information. Love the poems. Also has bright and engaging art. Highly recommend.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the variety of forms of poems about the monarch butterfly, as well as all the factual information included. However, some of the poems themselves didn't read as smoothly as I would have liked; the rhythm in some seemed a bit jerky. Nevertheless, this book made me want to wander out into the nearby field to look for monarch butterfly eggs on milkweeds! I also enjoyed learning how to tell a male from a female. My favorite poem was the one called "Chaos," speculating that the breeze from a butterfly wing could ultimately create/contribute to a hurricane.
Nice book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of poems about Monarch butterflies and how they move, live and rest. The author uses different styles of poetry in her writings. It has beautiful illustrations. At the end of the book, the author has written more interesting facts about each poem. Really well done. An asset to anyone who is doing a butterfly unit in their classroom.

[zabarj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book to help teach poetry. There are many examples in this book, set around a topic, that provides information, as well as examples of various poetry forms.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This paean to the monarch butterfly has very clever, inventive poems accompanied by accomplished artwork. A great book for butterfly lovers.