Overview
Butterfly Birthday completes the four-book series —Snow Party, Mermaid Dance, By the Light of the Harvest Moon — that celebrates the many wonders of the changing seasons. On the first day of spring, bugs of every shape, size, and color greet each other after the long, cold winter. At a spectacular party to celebrate the vernal equinox, caterpillars emerge from their chrysalises to join in the fun.
Synopsis
Butterfly Birthday completes a quartet of books Snow Party, Mermaid Dance and By the Light of the Harvest Moon that celebrates the many and miraculous wonders of the changing seasons. On the first day of spring, bugs—dressed in their finest attire—greet one another after the long, cold winter and hold a spectacular party to welcome the vernal equinox. Mark Jones' beautiful and bewitching pastel illustrations bring this magical world to life.
Children's Literature
The first day of spring has arrived, and the insects are ready to greet the changing of the seasons. Beetles, crickets, ants, wasps, and spiders emerge from their winter homes to begin preparations for a special party to celebrate the day. While they work, the caterpillars are busying munching on leaves, to the dismay of a little ant. He learns, however, that the caterpillars were preparing for their part in the celebration. Their chrysalises serve as decorations for the party, and as the day progresses, the butterflies emerge and join the other insects in their spring dance. With Butterfly Birthday, Ziefert completes her collection of books on the changing of the seasons. She captures several science concepts, including metamorphosis and the equinoxes, through this captivating story. Mark Jones has crafted beautiful images of the variety and colors found in butterflies and in other insects through his illustrations. This selection would be an excellent book to initiate an elementary class study of spring, butterflies, or insects. Reviewer: Amanda Ledbetter