The Story
The butterfly's life cycle will inspire young readers to connect with the world around them in this gorgeously illustrated narrative nonfiction picture book. A perfect nature book for readers of Honeybee and A Seed Is Sleepy.
A kaleidoscope is a tube with mirrors and pieces of colored material that reflect beautiful moving patterns. Kaleidoscope is also the collective noun used to describe a group of butterflies. This narrative nonfiction picture book uses both definitions to highlight the cyclical nature of caring for the environment.
In a richly layered text, acclaimed author Miranda Paul explores each stage of a butterfly's life cycle, while providing lessons in care and responsibility and encouraging hope for the future of our planet. Husband-and-wife team Hari and Deepti use intricate paper sculptures and paint to bring the butterflies to life in stunning, three-dimensional artwork.
- Pairs well with science curricular units on the life cycle of butterflies.Introduces ways for children to care for the environment.Encourages children to spend time outdoors, observing nature.Informative backmatter includes an activity to help the butterflies in your own yard or garden and a behind-the-scenes look at how the distinctive artwork was created.Use in both art and science classrooms!
Author: Miranda Paul
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Published: 05/12/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.02lbs
Size: 10.79h x 8.41w x 0.39d
ISBN: 9780063144101
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 04/20/2026
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026
School Library Journal 04/01/2026 pg. 92
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2026
About the Author
Hari and Deepti: -
Hari & Deepti are a husband-wife artist duo currently based in Mumbai, India, and previously based out of Denver, Colorado. Known internationally for their specific papercut and backlit style, Hari & Deepti bring their stories to life through their intricate papercut light boxes. Their debut picture book, The Seekers, was an Amazon Editors' Pick and a Children's Choice Book Awards finalist.
Paul, Miranda: -Miranda Paul is an award-winning children's author of more than twenty books for children. Several of her books have been named Junior Library Guild selections and CCBC Choices selections. Her acclaimed work includes One Plastic Bag, Water Is Water, Whose Hands Are These?; Nine Months, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Jason Chin; Little Libraries, Big Heroes; Thanku: Poems of Gratitude; and Speak Up.
Some of her most notable titles with international acclaim have stemmed from collaborating with activist icons--Isatou Ceesay, Farmer Tantoh Nforba, and Rashida Tlaib. She is an annual faculty member at the Highlights Foundation and a co-founding member of the nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books. She currently serves on the board of Americans Serving African Children (ASAC). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.
Description
The butterfly's life cycle will inspire young readers to connect with the world around them in this gorgeously illustrated narrative nonfiction picture book. A perfect nature book for readers of Honeybee and A Seed Is Sleepy.
A kaleidoscope is a tube with mirrors and pieces of colored material that reflect beautiful moving patterns. Kaleidoscope is also the collective noun used to describe a group of butterflies. This narrative nonfiction picture book uses both definitions to highlight the cyclical nature of caring for the environment.
In a richly layered text, acclaimed author Miranda Paul explores each stage of a butterfly's life cycle, while providing lessons in care and responsibility and encouraging hope for the future of our planet. Husband-and-wife team Hari and Deepti use intricate paper sculptures and paint to bring the butterflies to life in stunning, three-dimensional artwork.
- Pairs well with science curricular units on the life cycle of butterflies.Introduces ways for children to care for the environment.Encourages children to spend time outdoors, observing nature.Informative backmatter includes an activity to help the butterflies in your own yard or garden and a behind-the-scenes look at how the distinctive artwork was created.Use in both art and science classrooms!
Author: Miranda Paul
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Published: 05/12/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.02lbs
Size: 10.79h x 8.41w x 0.39d
ISBN: 9780063144101
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 04/20/2026
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026
School Library Journal 04/01/2026 pg. 92
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2026
About the Author
Hari and Deepti: -
Hari & Deepti are a husband-wife artist duo currently based in Mumbai, India, and previously based out of Denver, Colorado. Known internationally for their specific papercut and backlit style, Hari & Deepti bring their stories to life through their intricate papercut light boxes. Their debut picture book, The Seekers, was an Amazon Editors' Pick and a Children's Choice Book Awards finalist.
Paul, Miranda: -Miranda Paul is an award-winning children's author of more than twenty books for children. Several of her books have been named Junior Library Guild selections and CCBC Choices selections. Her acclaimed work includes One Plastic Bag, Water Is Water, Whose Hands Are These?; Nine Months, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Jason Chin; Little Libraries, Big Heroes; Thanku: Poems of Gratitude; and Speak Up.
Some of her most notable titles with international acclaim have stemmed from collaborating with activist icons--Isatou Ceesay, Farmer Tantoh Nforba, and Rashida Tlaib. She is an annual faculty member at the Highlights Foundation and a co-founding member of the nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books. She currently serves on the board of Americans Serving African Children (ASAC). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.
