The Monarch Butterfly
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Explore the captivating journey of the majestic monarch butterfly. 'The Monarch Butterfly' by Charis Mather unveils the lifecycle of these beautiful creatures through vivid illustrations and simple, engaging text. This book is perfect for young readers aged 4-8, offering a blend of education and adventure as it explains the migration, transformation, and challenges faced by monarch butterflies. It encourages environmental awareness and scientific curiosity, making it a meaningful addition to any child's library. A heartwarming read that brings the wonders of nature into your home, fostering a lasting appreciation for wildlife and conservation. Additionally, 'The Monarch Butterfly' is part of Decodables by Jump!, a comprehensive library of decodable leveled readers that follow a sequenced approach to phonics instruction. Young readers will enjoy colorful, photo-packed nonfiction as they follow a prescribed format supported by the science of reading that encourages reading development. The graphemes /ch/y/ are featured, making it an engaging read for early literacy development.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings do you think the monarch butterfly experiences during its migration?
How do you think the butterfly's journey changes it?
Why is the monarch butterfly important to our environment?
Can you imagine what it would be like to travel as far as the monarch butterfly does? What would you need for such a long journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the butterfly’s journey to personal experiences of change and growth. Ask them to think about times when they've had to adapt to new situations, drawing parallels to the butterfly's migration. Highlight the importance of perseverance and resilience, as shown by the monarch butterfly. Discuss the environmental role of the monarch butterfly, prompting thoughts on how we can help protect and contribute to nature’s balance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Transformation and Growth
Explanation: The journey of the monarch butterfly from a caterpillar to a butterfly mirrors the concept of growth and change.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of transformation to personal growth, understanding that change and development are natural parts of life.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The monarch butterfly's migration is a key element in the story, showcasing the butterfly’s resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Interdependence of Ecosystems
Explanation: The story highlights how monarch butterflies contribute to the health of their environments.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the importance of every creature in an ecosystem, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Example Lesson: The Beauty of Nature
Explanation: The vivid descriptions of the butterfly's journey emphasize the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and appreciate the natural world around them, promoting outdoor activities and environmental stewardship.