Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the
Saturday edition.
Today’s post will have you clamoring for your backyards,
front yards and everything in between…depending upon which part of North
America you currently reside in.
Why? It’s Fall or at least the
beginning of this (short lived) season in Florida and with it comes a remarkable
occurrence. No, I’m not referring to
“love bug” season…though that coincides with it (*yuck*)…I’m talking about
something much more beautiful, much more enchanting. It’s something that when seen individually
gives pause to the heart but collectively, stirs the soul.
The event of which I speak is the Monarch Butterfly
migration. It’s one of nature’s beauties
and the star of today’s post…only in storybook form. That’s right!
It’s one of those two-for-one beauties where you learn a little
something while basking in the wonders that exist in nature. Ready to read all about it? Here we go!
Today’s book of choice is….
By
Illustrated by
From the publisher…
One late afternoon in early September, Jilly sees something. It looks like it's raining black pepper from a clear blue sky. Then the black rain becomes a wispy mist. And then a spooky orange cloud. What can it be? Jilly and Mom set out to identify the mysterious orange cloud. The closer they get, the more curious Jilly gets. Gradually, the hidden world of nature opens to mother and daughter.
…and so sets the stage for a day of unexpected exploration
with Mom and a beauteous look at a
yearly event that passes most of us by.
The story itself is written in a poetic format though no
rhyming will be found. It speaks softly
to the reader so as not to disturb the mood it sets. It wanders round to the outer edges of the
page to allow the events to unfold center stage. The sheer wonder Jilly experiences in the
sights she sees combined with the boisterous reaction of her dog Fudge and the
sharing of a memory almost forgotten but only just from dear old Mom make this
a tale that the whole family can enjoy whether from their own experiences or
the eyes of the illustrator. Speaking of
the illustrator…
While the story winds its way into your heart, if it wasn’t
for the illustrations that accompany it…the effect would still be great but not
nearly as lasting. Each page is covered
in a full color picture laying out the scene described before your very
eyes. From the slant of light through
the trees to the slight feeling of foreboding Lilly experiences upon first
entering the forest, all the feelings and magic moments are depicted
vividly. Most vivid of all however are
the butterflies. The color is rich, the
amount of detail is just right. To my untrained
eye, the images appear not merely drawn but painted (perhaps oil paints if I
had to hazard a guess), so that slight blur of a line or color speckled
background benefits from the depth that occurs as a result of the
technique. Really something to see…
So, if you’re looking for a Fall title for readers of all
ages, this might just be the ticket for you.
The story will capture the imagination in so few words while the images
dance before your eyes in a swirling mass of deep oranges and burnt reds. You can’t help but be whisked away by the
beauty before you…I know I was, even though I’m not so certain I’d like to be
IN the cloud of butterflies; more like from a short distance (^_^). Oh and don’t be surprised if after all is
said and done you feel compelled to investigate this yearly journey off the
page…that desire was foreseen and a few handy sites to help you on your way are
even included!
Special thanks to Peachtree Publishers for the review copy.
(THANKS!) For more information on this
title as well as their complete (and growing!) catalog of goodness, be sure to
visit them online, check out their blog, like them on Facebook or follow on
Twitter. This book was released last
year and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.
Until next time…happy reading!
2 comments:
Such a wonderful post, made even better because I cannot remember the last time I saw a butterfly here in the north east of England.
Beautiful post. This sounds great. And it's so interesting that you mention the butterfly migration because I just noticed a bunch yesterday.
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