The Butterfly and the Ants
By: Kate McCabe Illustrated by: Nicole Berlach
Follow a caterpillar named Blue, as he lives out one of nature's everyday miracles.
A tiny caterpillar begins its journey towards becoming a magnificent butterfly. + Full description
The Butterfly and the Ants tells the wonderful true story of a butterfly's lifecycle. 'Blue' might seem an odd name for a small caterpillar, but follow him as he meets some welcoming ants, produces honey and undergoes an amazing transformation. You'll also discover how he gets his name!
Beautifully illustrated, this engaging story offers an insight into the fascinating relationships between plants, butterflies and ants.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.
- Short descriptionNews
View more of Nicole Berlach's work at her website (external link).
Reviews
"This book, with its colourful and appealing illustrations, will be a fabulous resource for schools and public libraries."
Katheryn Beilby, ReadPlus, 5 May 2022
"With a love for the natural world wriggling and fluttering off of every page, Blue the caterpillar come butterfly and his ant friends will capture the hearts and minds of many and is sure to provoke awe and wonder about nature."
A Word about Books, 23 May 2022
"This story explores the lifecycle of the butterfly along with relationships between butterflies and ants, and the plants around us, including those right in our backyard or local park. [...] Bright and colourful, the illustrations of this story are sure to engage readers and helpfully assist in communicating the information included."
Raquel Mayman, CBCA Reading Time, 14 August 2022
"The book has broad appeal to warrant its inclusion in a child’s list of nature books. It is full of biological information that is presented in such a way that it is likely to be absorbed effortlessly, as the child moves readily from page to page as the story line unfolds in a suspenseful roll of questions as to what happens next in a true 'thriller' pattern."
Judy Ferrier, Metamorphosis Australia Issue 104, September 2022
"This engaging true story, taking place worldwide, connects children to the caterpillars, butterflies, and ants they might see in their local
wildlife reserve, a nearby park, or even in their own backyard."
Australian Wildlife Volume 4, Spring 2022
"As I read this to a Kindergarten class this week there were many ‘I didn’t know that!' moments along with hands reaching out to stop me from turning the pages to look at the descriptive illustrations. Children will not only learn about the life cycle of butterflies but also realise just how important the role ants play is along with the plants and soil that support them."
Educate Empower, 13 May 2022
Details
Hardback | May 2022 | $ 24.99ISBN: 9781486313471 | 32 pages | 250 x 250 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour illustrations
ePDF | May 2022
ISBN: 9781486313488
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
ePUB | May 2022
ISBN: 9781486316830
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
Features
- Connects kids to the caterpillars, butterflies and ants they might see in gardens and parks.
- Explains the lifecycle of a caterpillar and how they turn into butterflies.
- Explores the fascinating symbiotic relationship between butterflies and ants.
Authors
Kate McCabe grew up exploring the bushland of Eltham, Victoria, which led to her enduring love and fascination for living things both big and small. With degrees in zoology and teaching, Kate now works in conservation education.
Nicole Berlach has been drawing for as long as she can remember. She is trained in scientific illustration, which informs the art she creates, celebrating her unique Australian environment. She exhibits regularly.
For Teachers
We have created these Teacher Notes as a free PDF download to support the use of this book in the classroom.
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