Starred review from March 1, 2021
A witty look at the less-beautiful characteristics of butterflies. As this informational book opens, a big-eyed monarch-butterfly narrator flits and flutters with its beautiful friends. Then, in metafictive fashion, it warns readers that if they want to continue believing that pretty is the essence of butterflies, "DON'T TURN THE PAGE." Of course, curious readers will keep going! The narrator reveals the truth: "Some butterflies are gross." Readers peer through the narrator's binoculars as it describes in pithy text such shocking sights as butterflies slurping up dead-animal juices and offers additional undesirable adjectives, like "drab" butterflies that resemble dull leaves, an adaptation that confuses hungry birds. Comical illustrations that feature patterns and earth tones highlight the humor. But wait, there's more, as the narrator warns once again: "OK, prepare to get weirded out." It starts up an old-fashioned movie projector, and as it uses such monstrous terms as shape-shifters and carnivorous, it explains and shows scenes of metamorphosis, caterpillars' diets, and more. Finally, the narrator takes readers into a top-secret lab and reveals images of butterflies tasting with their feet, eating poop, and drinking tears--and some that "have butts that look like heads." A concluding chart depicts thumbnails of featured butterflies, further related facts, and their geographic range. All in all, it's a fun addition--or alternative--to traditional insect study. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.) A proboscis-in-cheek introduction to butterflies that will appeal to reluctant readers and bug enthusiasts alike. (Informational picture book. 4-8)
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January 1, 2021
"Don't read any further unless you're ready for the real story." After plenty of warnings, a Monarch butterfly flits across this book's pages, sharing "gross" butterfly attributes and habits. Readers will probably find some information entertainingly unsavory: e.g., the "Giant Swallowtail caterpillar looks like bird poop," and Red-banded Hairstreaks "have butts that look like heads." Other facts aren't gross, just lesser known: the Alcon Blue butterfly impersonates an ant; "butterflies taste with their feet." The cheerily stylish illustrations give the insects lots of personality and are a good match for the breezy text. Seven butterfly species are profiled at book's end.
(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)