"One, two, three, four eggs.
And here are two more.
I'll keep an eye on them.
But, shhh!
Let's keep this a secret from Coco."
It's a bit late for sharing this book with little ones for this year. It is an excellent early introduction to the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, and one of the hazards to their survival. Coco is a chicken who shares the love of a garden with her owner. The young boy loves it for the good food it provides, and the creatures it supports. Coco likes it for its worms and insects!
A close look at a milkweed plant reveals six tiny eggs on the underside of its leaves. They will need careful protection. Coco does not need to know they are there. Providing constant snacks keeps Coco's hunger at bay, and makes the hen tired enough to have a short snooze. The leaves are checked and reveal caterpillars that are sure to become monarch butterflies. How exciting!
Unfortunately, Coco awakens just in time to see them. While our narrator lis off to find more chicken snacks, Coco sees her chance. She swallows four of the caterpillars before realizing that they do not agree with her tummy. No more caterpillars for her. Readers will see them spin a chrysalis, and finally emerge as beautiful monarchs to fly away with Coco in pursuit. Luckily, it is no contest.
Using bold acrylic paints, paper collage and colored pencil, Mr. Valerio creates a lovely introduction to a monarch butterfly's life cycle for very young readers.
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