What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon and Other Questions about Moths and Butterflies? Written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky. Crown Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2023. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

"The caterpillar life stage is 
all about eating and growing!

Its body is built for 
climbing, crawling, 
and snacking on plants! 

Just like the 
butterflies and moths
they will become, 
caterpillars can 
have many different 
shapes and sizes."

After gushing over What's Inside a Flower? (Crown, 2021), I knew I wanted to see Ms. Ignotofsky's new book about moths and butterflies. I could only imagine the information it would provide, alongside stunning illustrations. I was not wrong. This new book is equally engaging, and attractive. 

In the summer of 2022, while my family was visiting for the month of July, we were lucky enough to raise two Monarch butterflies from caterpillar to pupa to the soaring beauty of an adult (who took flight two hours before their departure for home). What a wondrous experience it was for two young girls and their mom. This book will be waiting for them this summer when they return.

The author begins with the differences and similarities between the moth and the butterfly. Detailed, captioned images grace first pages with names and wingspans. From there, questions are asked and answered. The life cycle is described as metamorphosis. 

"But why do caterpillars change?

Why are these insects important?

What's inside a cocoon?

SCIENCE WILL HELP US ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS!"

Well, science and Ms. Ignotofsky! The writing is inviting, informational, accessible, and spot on. The images are captioned, clearly drawn, concise, and spot on. Young readers will very much appreciate the graphic artwork, and the attention paid to providing just the right amount of science. Page design changes enhance the learning and encourage careful observation.

Double-page spreads are dedicated to having the audience learn as much as they can as the egg becomes a caterpillar, then chrysalis, pupa, and finally adult. The latter half of the book is given to providing full information about both butterfly and moth adults, their physical details, their behaviors, and their importance to the natural world. She ends by encouraging young readers to do what they can do to protect the environment these beautiful creatures need to flourish. 

A list of sources and resources includes educational activities, and books to read to bring this remarkable book to an end.