Acrylic and pastel illustrations manage to be soft and dreamy as well as realistic, showing "one of nature's most perfect relationships" (though it seems like the butterflies get more out of it). Endpapers show the migration patterns of the butterflies - north in spring and summer, south in fall and winter - and the life cycle of the monarchs and the milkweed plant. ( )

This astounding picture book relates the journey of the monarch butterfly during its stunning migration across continents, its spectacular and unusual life cycle, and its reliance upon and relationship with milkweed plants. The illustrations for this book are breath taking and beautiful, and are rendered in acrylic and pastels on paper. This book could be used in a classroom in almost any conceivable way: for a read along, to teach about art, to encourage discovery of the natural world, and to enhance a sense of wonder, mystery, and curiosity in students.

Every spring the monarch butterfly migrates thousands of miles in search of the ideal milkweed plant. When she finds it, she lays her eggs on the plant, so when each egg hatches, the baby caterpillar can feed on the milkweed leaves. The milkweed plant then provides the perfect protection as the caterpillar turns into one of nature's wonders, a chrysalis, before transforming into an even greater wonder: a monarch butterfly. And once the newborn butterfly soars away, the milkweed seeds fly away on the wind and start this cycle over again.
6 books

The parallel story of the migration of monarch butterflies and milkweed, the staple plant in their survival, this story illustrates the lives of both in simple, readable text that offers readers a clear understanding of the delicate balance that exists between their life cycles. It contains a nice endnote offering further information and more resources to consult. ( )

Monarch and Milkweed chronicles the relationship between the migratory Monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant. Although it is a non-fiction book, it reads as smoothly as fiction, "Milkweed stretches taller. Two by two, its leaves spread wide, sheltering long-legged spiders, black and orange beetles. Monarch lights on Milkweed, drums her feet on Milkweed's flower, and tastes home." The prose is gentle and inviting - a perfect introduction to this commonplace, yet remarkably harmonious pair.

The illustrations perfectly complement the text, they are a gentle mix of acrylics and pastels - realistic, yet softened. Many of the illustrations are double-spreads.

The Author's Note has more detailed information and websites for further exploration. A great choice for teachers. ( )