For decades, as the monarch butterflies swooped through every year like clockwork, people from Canada to the United States to Mexico wondered, “Where do they go?” In 1976 the world learned the answer: after migrating thousands of miles, the monarchs roost by the millions in an oyamel grove in Central Mexico’s mountains. But who solved this mystery? Was it the scientist or the American adventurer? The citizen scientists or the teacher or his students? Winged Wonders shows that the mystery could only be solved when they all worked as a team–and reminds readers that there’s another monarch mystery today, one that we all must work together to solve.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Sleeping Bear Press in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite classroom activities in the spring is watching our caterpillars change into butterflies. My students are always in awe of the metamorphose process. Winged Wonders is a fantastic book that combines the science of the Monarch Migration with the history of those who figured out the path that the butterflies take as they migrate. Meeg Pincus has a gift for writing nonfiction stories that open reader’s eyes to unknown people who changed history. The text showcases several scientists and people from several areas who spent their careers following the migration of the butterflies. Together, these people from different places mapped the migration of the Monarchs. The book ends by sharing with readers that the Monarchs are now in danger of extinction and need our help to save them. The back of the book shares more information with readers about the Monarch Migration as well as what people can do to protect the butterflies. The illustrations by Yas Imamura are filled with vibrant colors and exquisite details. The Monarchs flow off the pages and draw readers into the plight of protecting them. This is a fantastic book to share about the importance of protecting all creatures on earth.
Ages 7 and up
40 Pages
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