Review: Bishop, N. (2009). Butterflies and moths.

Bishop, N. (2009). Butterflies and moths. New York, NY: Scholastic Nonfiction.

All young children love learning about the life cycle of butterflies, but through the mountain of related literature stands out Nic Bishop’s Butterflies and Moths.  Known for his nonfictional, nature-themed works for children, Bishop includes whimsical descriptions--butterflies dancing and gliding and belonging in fairy tales--with full-page, close-up color photography.  All of the photos show extreme details, some up to 45 times the original size, as explained in the comprehensive captions. Not only are the vibrant photos edge-to-edge, but some are featured in pull-out, four-page layouts.

Bishop is skilled at bringing his expertise in biology to the reading level of younger children, and began to write for children when he found that they were fascinated by his photography.  His voice also appeals to younger readers, explaining is accessible language that some caterpillars have “bodyguards,” may “seem too disgusting to eat” or are “tricksters” (18). Especially pleasing to teachers everywhere is the discussion on metamorphosis, as Bishop makes sure to relate facts correctly--moths make cocoons, but each butterfly undergoes metamorphosis as a pupa in a hard “case” (21).  As stated by “Butterfly School”: “Butterflies DO NOT form cocoons, no matter what The Very Hungry Caterpillar says!”

Small critters make fascinating subjects when viewed up close, and Bishop’s love for them, and for butterflies in particular, shines through the pages of this informative text for young readers.  Bishop includes a bibliography of his research here, noting that none of the texts he used are written for young audiences, though “there are lots of neat questions answered in Do Butterflies Bite?”