Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Musser (9780593693254)

Three well-known children’s book creators have come together to each tell part of the story of the caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly life stages. Papilio starts life bursting out of her egg. She eats leaves but then falls to the ground. She can’t reach the enticing strawberry above her without some help from a friendly mouse. In her chrysalis, she is safe and sound or so she thinks. A robin gets a bit too interested in her and it’s that same friendly mouse who rescues her. Finally, as a butterfly she finds getting to the flower a little more challenging than she thought. Luckily, the mouse is there again to lend a paw. Seeing the stages done in different but supportive art styles is a real pleasure.

Young readers will enjoy the energy and action in each stage. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from library copy.

To See an Owl by Mathew Cordell (9780593649893)

Janie loves owls and dreams of being able to see one in the wild. Her teacher this year is a birder and his favorite birds are owls too. She tries to find an owl, learning about whitewash and pellets, listening hard and keeping an eye out. She even heads into the woods at night with her mother, but no owl is found. Months go by and Janie brings in her collection of owl information and shares it with her class. Her teacher is amazed and shows her on a map where he saw a pair of great horned owls. Could this be the clue that Janie needs?

This quiet picture book speaks to the importance of persistence and patience when entering nature. Watching Janie’s knowledge grow organically throughout the book is a treat. Cordell’s signature fine-lined drawings offer a glimpse of nature, Janie’s family and her search for the elusive owl. 

Appropriate for ages 4-7.  Reviewed from library copy.

Wind Watchers by Micha Archer (9780593616550)

Wind blows in a variety of ways. Fluttering spring blossoms, bringing spring showers. It helps fly kites and ripples the pond on hot days. Sometimes Wind brings a surprise thunderstorm. In fall, Wind scatters seeds and blows leaves off trees. Winter wind brings icy cold and blizzards. Celebrate the seasons with this joyful interaction between children and the wind. Written and illustrated by Archer, a Caldecott Honor winner, the illustrations are done in inks and collage. The nature scenes and the rain fall are particularly striking and will draw young readers in. 

Appropriate for ages 3-5. Reviewed from library copy.