Monarch! Come Play with Me

Monarch Come Play with Me, by Ba Rea, uses large, detailed illustrations and the inquiries of a young girl to present a monarch caterpillar’s metamorphosis from egg through caterpillar and chrysalis to butterfly for children between the ages of 3 and 9. The text, written for early second grade readers, revolves around the similarities and differences between the development and activities of monarchs and children. An informational text at the end of the book introduces readers to the process of scientific discovery through the story of Dr. Fred and Norah Urquhart's search — with the help of many citizen scientists — for the eastern monarchs’ overwintering home. This text, written at a fourth grade reading level, shows readers how science is used to answer questions.