Papilio, by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Musser. Viking, Penguin Random House. 2025. $26.99 ages 3 and up

"She bursts out of her egg. 
Hello, world! thinks Papilio. 
Her tummy replies ... 

gurgle!"

"Tucked inside her cozy chrysalis, 
Papilio dissolves and turns into goo. 
Growing up sure is weird sometimes,
thinks Papilio." 

"I thought being a butterfly 
would be easy. 

But my wings feel big and 
strange." 

Three very creative friends collaborate to bring the story of the black swallowtail butterfly's life cycle to young readers. Each of the stages is presented by a different artist, starting with Ben Clanton. His part begins with the egg that is Papilio, and her transformation to caterpillar. As she chews through the leaf she has been clinging to, she suddenly finds herself dropping onto the ground below. It is not an easy descent and results in her rumbling tummy being interested in a brilliant red fruit she cannot reach. A wee mouse comes to her rescue, allowing a taste of that strawberry. 

With her belly full, she morphs into a chrysalis - and Corey R. Tabor takes the reins of the story. Warm and cozy, and attached to a tree branch, she becomes 'caterpillar soup', a second stage in the butterfly's growth cycle. A curious bird decides to make her its next meal. Inside the comfort of her chrysalis, she can hear birds' noise and is sent flying through the air. That mouse is back to save her once again, tying her to a branch so she can continue to wait and make the change needed. 

Patience helps; she finally emerges to the deft touch of Andy Chou Musser, the artist is charge of her transition to adult butterfly. What wonder awaits as her wings dry.  Assorted winged creatures aren't much help in explaining what is happening. There are dangers to avoid; her confidence takes a hit. When she is ready to fly, she cannot find any food. Guess who's back with the perfect solution? What a lovely friend! 

Each section exhibits a very personal touch while also keeping to the cohesiveness required to tell only one part of a life cycle. Their stories flow seamlessly from one section to the next. Their target audience will delight in the storytelling and learn cool scientific facts in the most charming way. In closing, 'a flutter of facts' is provided, as well as an author's note concerning the origin of the book. Then, each phase is described in personal notes from its creator. There is a final note about the collaboration itself and how it brought their initial idea to book form.  

Don't miss the butterfly's thank you to its dear mouse friend!