Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Butterfly Birthday
Illustrator: Mark Jones
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 7
Blue Apple Books, 2010 ISBN: 978-1609050153
It is the first day of spring, and the insects are waking up from their long nap to greet the sun and blooming crocuses. Bug friends who have not seen each other in “many cold months” are happy to be reunited. After sharing news and hugs, they set about getting ready for the party that they have every first day of spring.
Using pots made by the wasps, and bags of silk made by the spiders, the insects gather food for their feast. After everything has been arranged to their satisfaction, they get ready for the evening, putting on fancy hats, necklaces, and other finery.
Little ant, who thought that the caterpillars were being greedy when everyone else was working, finds out that they were eating for a good reason. Now the caterpillars are chrysalises, and soon everyone will witness a little of nature’s magic.
With its appealing insect characters and its festive illustrations, this picture book is the perfect title to read in early spring. Children will enjoy imagining what it would be like to be a guest at the party, and they will appreciate that seeing a caterpillar turn into a butterfly is truly an extraordinary thing.
