Bye, Bye, Butterflies!

August 6, 2012
A boy is delighted to see children releasing butterflies off of a rooftop (shouting “Bye, bye, butterflies!” as they do so) while walking with his father; months later, his class receives its own box of tiny caterpillars that he learns will also transform into butterflies. Larsen playfully depicts the caterpillars’ development from striped and polka-dotted grubs to cocoons, as the children—cartoon caricatures with exaggerated eyes and oversize heads—observe and document the subtle changes. When Charlie and his class finally release the butterflies, another boy glances up to the rooftop and waves to Charlie. A tender story about life cycles, metamorphosis, and a common childhood experience. Ages 4–up.

February 1, 2013

K-Gr 2-When Charlie first sees children releasing butterflies into the sky for a school project, he is a chatty little boy whose father encourages his quiet listening and observation. Then it is time for him to begin school and eventually to participate in the same project, watching caterpillars grow until it is time to release them. This is a realistic story about growth and change, not just for caterpillars but for children, too. Playful cartoon illustrations enhance the pleasing tone. Value-added endnotes contain lots of butterfly facts for budding scientists.-Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2013
This engaging story about a class of young students raising butterflies from caterpillars and releasing them from their school's roof is illustrated with fanciful art featuring brightly colored (though not realistic-looking) creatures. Appended is a double-page spread containing information on butterflies, which will be useful for adults sharing the book with children.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)