Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Where Butterflies Grow
Illustrator: Lynne Cherry
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 7
Puffin, 1996 ISBN: 978-0140558586
In this lyrical, beautifully illustrated book we are invited to "Imagine" that we are in a tiny egg. Slowly we grow and the egg hatches. Our adventures beings. With each turn of the page we explore the green world of a tiny caterpillar. We see the baby rabbit, the toad, and the little mouse washing itself. We hear the wind in the grass and the caterpillar continues to eat and eat. It scares off a hungry bird, and eats some more. Finally it is big enough. Now it is time to build a cocoon and to rest. Inside the cocoon an amazing change is taking place. The creatures of the countryside go about their business, unaware of the little life hanging from a twig. As the summer progresses the cocoon grows darker and there is a flicker of movement. Finally, at last, the cocoon splits and a crumpled long-legged insect emerges. The creature rests, its wings fold out and stiffen, and then the butterfly takes to the air.
The author has managed to make a very simple story magical, and the illustrator invites us to explore the changing world of the caterpillar and the butterfly. Perhaps we too should lie on our tummies on a summer day and see what we can find where the butterflies grow.
