KALEIDOSCOPE OF HOPE: Brilliant Butterflies

There are plenty of ways that a picture book distinguishes itself from others with similar topics or themes. Something I celebrate most about the rich array of modern picture books is the ways children's sections for today have positively exploded in comparison to the tiny corner children's works claimed in my childhood library. This doesn't mean someone somewhere is just cranking out books to fill expanded shelf space. Rather, expanded shelf space is required to display the amazing and innovative ways creators are producing books, even about familiar topics, that are masterful and amazing.

Consider monarch butterflies. A quick topic search in my metro library list yields more than three dozen titles with publication dates in the last five years, and that doesn't include related topics of life cycles, habitats, and more. Yet each provides distinct perspectives and other features to attract attention while offering choices to kids eager to learn more. And more.

GREENWILLOW BOOKS, 2026

Miranda Paul is an author whose interest in monarchs (and all nature) goes back decades, as does her experience in writing for children. In the case of her latest release, KALEIDOSCOPE OF HOPE: How Butterfly Life Cycles Reflect the World, that intersection of experiences reaches a gorgeous and unique crescendo. 

For a moment, let's aside the incredible illustrations and page designs, but we will return! The text structure and writing are remarkably novel and engaging. Anyone who has ever peered through a kaleidescope will recall that obsessive, emotional response to cascading crystaline magic that keeps the device attached to your face. An unusual and appealing text structure elevates this informational content, told with lively lyrical prose. Information is organized in repeating facets of facts and relationships. Patterns shift relative to each other and to what has come before.

White space backgrounds allow the words and their significance to shine, just as backlighting makes kaleidescope chips glow like glass. Using (and defining) five seemingly generic or abstract words as the components of the cycles described (HOPE, GROWTH, CHANGE, PREPARATION, EXPLORATION)  sets the stage for readers to come full circle in understanding how butterflies of all kinds experience similar cycles while being marvelously distinct. And vulnerable at every stage. The abstract is rendered vividly specific and concrete.

Two added kaleidoscopic discussions, NOTHING and ACTION, offer alternative endings. One is unthinkable but possible: extinction. The other is immediately accessible in our own lives and yards, window sills and community gardens: ACTION. The structure itself compels attention, drawing readers to their own conclusions that taking action is an imperative, not a choice.

The benefit of back matter allows Miranda to comment on her personal experiences in raising and studying monarchs and swallowtails, and the impact of information books that launched years of engagement. Photo-insert how-to examples of making local resources encourage participatory support of butterfly survival. 

Despite my glowing praise for the text, the illustrations in this book stand on their own merit  to intrigue anyone of any age or language or interests. The keyword pages (as noted above) portray kaleidoscopic arrays of stages of butterfly life cycles as well as those two human options, NOTHING and ACTION. As the cover reveals, the swirls and cascades of individual images are as mesmerizing as they are informative while underscoring the cycles, sequences, and circles of life. Illustrators HARI and DEEPTI provide a double spread of detailed steps involved in creating the dimensional replicas of each item in the final illustrations, formed from paper, glue, paper clay, and water, along with tracings and photography and incredible talent. The scenes, circles, and replicated creatures in different stages seem alive enough to crawl off the pages or cling to your fingers. The illustrators, too, encourage young readers to make a try for themselves at using simple tools and materials to make art, inviting close observation and assuring that accuracy often benefits from enlargement (a kid-friendly tip!).

Autumn is migration season for monarchs and many other butterfly species. In only a few days from now the Mexican DAY OF THE DEAD will honor ancestors and loved ones who have moved on ahead of us. Monarchs play a huge and symbolic role in those celebrations, as described in GHOST WINGS, mentioned in this earlier post. Just when we in the northern climate bid farewell to the last of the monarchs as they fly incredible distances on fragile scaled wings, the safe harbor forests of Mexico are welcoming them home. Learn more about Dia de Muertos, November 1 and 2. 

Rooted In Wonder: Trees of the World!

 In a recent post I mentioned attending a writers' conference. It was located in an historic area of central Wisconsin, where the land itself and the conference/complex are both rooted in the past. Trees embraced every view and were reaching glorious Fall color stages, reflected in the luminous lake. My session with Kirsten W. Larson explored narrative nonfiction. (An exemplary title of that format was reviewed HERE.) The other approach to nonfiction we considered is expository, meaning that informational content is directly presented rather than incorporating it into language and structures resembling storytelling.

MOONBIRD,  2026

ROOTED IN WONDER: Celebrating the World's National Trees is written by Michelle Cusolito and illustrated by Marya Wright. The cover itself reminds readers that any discussion of trees MUST consider the flora and fauna supported by trees. Not to mention their incomparably important below ground structures and functions: stabilizing soil, affecting water flow and filtration, interacting with other root systems, and more. The subject matter lends itself less to storytelling and more as outreach to readers with content of high interest. 

This expository approach suits it well and the creatives forces behind this book achieved a keeper. 

Many of my prior posts featured TREE books, some of which are HERE, HERE, and HERE. Each is nonfiction and each is outstanding in  unique ways. In the case of ROOTED IN WONDER, attention is due for the appeal of its contents and the ways in which the text and illustrations take readers on a global tour they might never have imagined. 

End papers provide a welcome anchoring of the information that follows, providing a simple map and a border-parade of the featured trees. This allows for a scaled comparison of their size, type, and distinctive elements, from baobab's bulbous base and seemingly dead appearance to banyan tree's sprawling growth system that generates itself into a virtual forest. The tiny quinoa tree appears unimpressive but it's tagged "fever tree" not for its imposing size or shape but for the life-saving bark used in medicines.

Each of these and more is a "national tree", some designated as such by multiple countries (OAK is claimed by England, Ireland, and the United States). 

Short expository passages about each appear on a double spread in reader-friendly font and size, overlaid on informative illustrations that expand understanding of key traits as well as global locations and related residents of the habitat.

Back matter includes additional short sections of text, each with a spotlight image cut from the featured pages. This and direct prompts encourage readers to look back and explore further. The closing pages of main text require reorienting the book to vertical, displaying a scientific illustration of a tree with labels and cutaways to reveal common elements of all trees. 

The platform I so often preach from is that picture books (good ones) can often serve audiences and populations far wider than those designated by publishers. In this case the range of trees and locations will delight little listeners and expand understanding of basic concepts about trees, while elementary readers can launch research and reports on other trees using this as mentor text. Uses and appeal of this book reach into  older grades and even biology classes to consider and compare text structures as well as biological structures. 

If you are a fan of trees (and if you aren't, why not?) you will want to puruse this expository nonfiction picture book (and care not a whit about that lengthy label). Instead, you'll immerse yourself in a virtual world tour and find not only old friends (oaks, maples) but also meet delightful and unfamiliar rooted-residents of this planet we all share.

THE PATRIOTS AND THE POX: GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BATTLE TO SAVE THE CONTINENTAL ARMY

Many debunked “legends” about George Washington still circulate. But books and musicals like HAMILTON have helped to reveal some of the actual complexities of Washington’s personality, talents, decisions, and values as revealed throughout his long life. This new picture book explores the challenges surrounding what is called one of Washington’s most difficult command decisions during the long Revolutionary War years. 

I was aware that Washington had survived smallpox while a young man and that he had ordered the Continental Army recruits be inoculated. What I DIDN’T know about this decision, and the pressures surrounding it, could fill a book… and it did! THE PATRIOTS AND THE POX:  GEORGE WASHINGTON’S FIGHT TO SAVE THE CONTINENTAL ARMY is written by Beth Anderson and illustrated by Ashley Yazdani.

ASTRA BOOKS/CALKINS CREEK, 2026

I knew I could trust the content and back matter to encourage further investigation because of the very talented writing and impressive research skills of Beth Anderson, as well as the reliable track record of the publisher. This account of Washington's struggles encompasses long periods of history, cycles of seasons, and potential rebellion among the revolutionaries themselves. It does so with clarity, tension, and pacing that will have readers turning pages to discover what happens next. 

This is not a full biographic profile of Washington, though it does reveal much about his character and commitment to his people and his emerging country. The details of this aspect of the war provide an important and informative revelation about the stakes and struggle surrounding not only his critical command choices but also the complex (bureaucratic) procedures he developed and enforced to protect colonial fighters, the entire army, and the outcome of the war from decimation by smallpox.

The British (most of whom were immune from their long European contact with the disease) intentionally exposed the relatively isolated and highly vulnerable colonial and Native populations to smallpox. Redcoats and loyalists circulated blankets and other contaminated materials and sent out infected individuals into enemy groups to expose them to the highly contagious and often deadly disease. Before the revolution, Washington was an officer of the British Army and his forces participated in this practice in the French and Indian War. During eventual western expansion, American soldiers continued doing this to reduce Native American populations. 

The inoculation process at the time actually infected individuals, introducing a mild exposure that allowed for recovery and provided future immunity. The highly contagious nature of smallpox meant that anyone with whom the inoculated person came in contact, until recovery, would also be exposed. Washington was well aware of this. He also realized that his leadership as General of the new Continental Army was far from universally trusted. 

A quotation from Washington on the title page sets the stage for readers to recognize the humility, responsibility, and commitment of the man we widely identify as the FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY:

“I do not think my self equal to the Command I am honored with.”

Readers are provided with enough background (including Washington’s pox-scarred face as evidence of his own immunity) to know that any decision he might make could risk disaster, loss of the battle for independence, and countless lives. His options are presented and the consequences at various stages are revealed. The ultimate system he ordered was designed to assure an immune, well-trained, disciplined army for as long as it took to win the war. All this is described and illustrated through the enlightening and accessible talents of both the author and the illustrator. 

Much of the danger described is not easily made visible, but is rendered in illustrations that suggest the scratch/exposure process of early inoculation, the steps in isolation and recovery, and the ethereal cloud of airborne exposure (at a time during which germs and viruses were not yet understood). Illustrator Yazdani dug deeply into research, too, incorporating details that integrate the complexity of colonial society and an all-volunteer army. These merit attention throughout, including the overall design of pages. Spreads suggest journal entries.

Washington wrote prolific accounts of his actions and decisions. Sequential events and stages of treatment, seasonal comings and goings of recruits and their families, and training throughout phases of arrival and eventual active duty are depicted effectively and intriguingly. Even this complexity is revealed through a brilliant blending of text and images, making a powerful and compelling history understandable for younger readers as well as for adults who share the book. 

Older readers in curricular-related studies could find this visual and narrative account may help in understanding the prolonged and perilous events surrounding revolution and the fight for independence. On a secondary curricular note, this story and resources could prove rich materials for those who study and practice debate skills, or for reader's theater dramatizations.

Among the many insights and information I appreciated in this work were the images  of Washington as a younger man. We are flooded with visuals of a white-haired, aging man (even though still straight-backed and strong).  But these images of  Washington during his earlier years, each revelation of him weighing alternatives, reminded me that this was not only an army of young troops, but it was led by a young man burdened with the mantle of being a striving nation’s best hope. It’s no wonder that he wrote of being ill-prepared for all he would be called on to do.  This included risking rebellion among his own soldiers if a plan for inoculation was imposed. 

This detailed story behind our eventual revolutionary success stands strong on its own merits. The revelations about emerging public health practices and troop/recruit management elevate how impressive their accomplishments were against a larger, better equipped, healthier military force. Added to this impressive account is back matter that includes an author exploring her research and course of investigations behind this book. Inoculation was a long-established practice on the continent of Africa. Cotton Mather, the man in the colonies most in support of inoculation, learned about the practice from a West-African man, Onesimus, whom Mather enslaved. There are two full pages of selected bibliography that assure how deeply the entire history was explored and considered.

For a look at other titles by BETH ANDERSON reviewed earlier, click HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. 

As we celebrate the 250^th birthday of our nation, it’s the Declaration of Independence that marks the date. But those were only words. The spirit that inspired them, the many colonists who came forward to stand behind the words in that declaration, and the wrenching decisions that led to their success spanned five years and more beyond that 1776 date. This account of Washington’s decisions that made success possible is timely not only due to our nation’s anniversary, but for the many inner conflicts and power struggles engaged, many of which resonate in modern times. Trust and courage are at the heart of the story, and that never changes. How our leaders meet those hurdles matters. This title should be welcomed in classrooms, libraries, and homes to inform, inspire, and spark conversations about difficult choices in modern times as well as in the past.

I'm clearly a fan of Beth Anderson's books. She has agreed to answer a few questions about this latest release which I'll share here in a few weeks. For now, get busy reading and sharing this impressive account of our shared history. 

 

 

Giraffe On A Raft? GIRAFT!

 A week or so ago I had the rare privilege of joining nonfiction writer/guru, Kirsten W. Larson, at the Wisconsin SCBWI conference. The entire event was phenomenal, but those three hours with a small group of other writers were priceless. Among the many benefits to my own specific writing projects, her discussions clarified and strengthened my awareness of many fine points in decision-making when writing nonfiction picture books. Two outstanding examples of great choices and delivery share this post and another coming next week.

The first is mentor text as an information book structured with a storytelling (narrative) approach.  It is an account of actual (documented) events that provides essential, verifiable details but takes readers on an adventurous journey that feels as if it could be Disney fantasy.

SLEEPING BEAR PRESS, 2026

GIRAFT: A Real Life Giraffe Rescue is written by Laurel Neme and illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. It earned the valuable JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD designation, with good reason. As Larson pointed out, we now live in a world where anyone can carry the world in their pocket. Facts are at our fingertips, literally. A terrific nonfiction picture book needs to do more than relate facts. It needs to provide a compelling experience while fully honoring the facts.

Titles play an essential role in starting that connection with readers.

GIRAFT is a brilliant example that proves Larson's point. Who doesn't like (love) giraffes? And wordplay? And animal rescue stories? The mental image of a giraffe on a RAFT... are you kidding me?  If they gave awards for best title, this would win it. I only needed to HEAR the title (without having even a peek  at that gorgeous cover) and I knew I'd be reading and writing about GIRAFT.

I'm relieved  to report that that this book did not disappoint. My expectations were HUGE and this more than met, even exceeded my hopes.

The true story behind the "cover girl", Isawa, takes place in Kenya. Lake Baringo, to be specific. Climate change threatened the peninsular home of a small herd of endangered giraffes, flooding and shrinking their habitat. They needed to be relocated to the mainland, but a more pressing problem existed. Isawa had been separated from the herd on a steadily shrinking island, threatened by rising waters, surrounding animals (snakes, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles) and unable to rejoin the herd. 

Wildlife managers recognized the pending disaster and formulated plans and prototypes. Every effort was made to transport ISAWA first because she was the most immediately threatened. Their process and efforts are revealed in illustrations that include diagrams, maps, and more. 

It's a picture book, so I'll confirm your hope that this was successful. Yes, it was. They were also able to relocate Isawa's herd so they they are not only reunited but now roam in safer territory. I don't consider that a spoiler, since I'm withholding the innovative efforts, designs, risks, and processes that led to success. The true story begged to be told, and this version does not disappoint. Knowing in advance that it has a happy ending does nothing to diminish the excitement and drama of the account.

The illustrations deserve their own homage, as do the lyrical language and page layouts. I can hardly imagine a giraffe NOT looking adorable, but the color tones, scenes surrounding the stars, the secondary characters, and descriptions that capture sensations and struggles left me feeling I was an eye witness to real events. Perfectly applied literary devices (repetitions, onomatopoeia, alliteration, and just-right word choices) engage readers in heart-stopping emotional scenes, momentous interventions, and celebratory successes. 

The author is a wildlife photographer and the final double spread provides a more detailed description of the events, dates, etc., photographs of the scenes and structures, and further giraffe facts. DO NOT miss this one!

 

PLEEEEASE... Click HERE on this YouTube (under three minutes) account of various moments in the long-unfolding rescue operations. It makes the additional point that the many people involved represented two long-warring communities who came together  for this conservation cause and proved that peace could be sustained between their people.