★ "Complex information sensibly organized and beautifully presented." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Drop-dead gorgeous....A comprehensive, accessible, and visually beautiful selection" —School Library Journal, starred review

"What is inside a caterpillar cocoon? Young readers will find the answer, along with a whole host of other facts, inside this supremely stylish introduction to the Lepidoptera family....A great primer on familiar flying and creeping friends." —Booklist

★ 08/01/2023

K-Gr 3—The subject of caterpillars and butterflies is perennially popular for school-aged children, with new books published each year on the topic. Do we really need more? Yes, if it's this one, which stands out from the sea of recent contenders. Following moths and caterpillars through their life cycles—from egg to larvae to pupa and adult stages—it compares them and puts their lives into context with the environment in which they live. The illustrations are drop-dead gorgeous, full of color and contrast, and rich in detail. Heaps of fun informational nuggets are delivered throughout, similar in format to other very popular, photographically designed nonfiction book series this age group devours. For instance, there are moths that never eat anything at all, and some caterpillars change color when they molt. Back matter encourages further connection to the topic through activities for exploration and resources for creating habitats for pollinators at home. VERDICT A comprehensive, accessible, and visually beautiful selection recommended for both school and public libraries.—Jennifer Noonan

★ 2023-07-13
From egg to caterpillar to pupa to adult, learn about lepidoptera.

The creator of What’s Inside a Flower (2021) returns with equally engaging answers to readers’ questions about caterpillars, moths, and butterflies. What’s particularly attractive about this invitation to look more closely at the natural world are Ignotofsky’s signature graphics, stylized illustrations with flat colors and intricate details. Carefully organized information is arranged in short bits against a background of informative images. Many pages could easily be stand-alone posters. Varied page design helps with the organization and makes the whole more absorbing. Ignotofsky labels nearly every one of the over 80 species pictured as caterpillars, pupae, or adults, with the common name in tiny but legible uppercase lettering. These pages deserve to be pored over. To begin, the author/illustrator explains the stages of a caterpillar’s life and the transformation we call metamorphosis. What may astonish young readers most is the answer to the title question: Inside the cocoon or chrysalis, a caterpillar’s body becomes “soup-like,” turning into “a brand-new body…with wings, big eyes, and a different mouth.” Ignotofsky goes on to describe the physical details and behavior of the adults that emerge. She concludes by noting how important these insects are as pollinators and encouraging her readers to help protect them. Racially diverse humans appear in a few scenes. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Complex information sensibly organized and beautifully presented. (sources and resources) (Informational picture book. 6-9)