The fascinating and complex evolutionary relationship of the monarch butterfly and the milkweed plant Monarch butterflies are one of nature's most recognizable creatures, known for their bright colors and epic annual migration from the United States and Canada to Mexico. Yet there is much more to the monarch than its distinctive presence and mythic journeying. In Monarchs and Milkweed, Anurag Agrawal presents a vivid investigation into how the monarch butterfly has evolved closely alongside the milkweed—a toxic plant named for the sticky white substance emitted when its leaves are damaged—and how this inextricable and intimate relationship has been like an arms race over the millennia, a battle of exploitation and defense between two fascinating species. The monarch life cycle begins each spring when it deposits eggs on milkweed leaves. But this dependency of monarchs on milkweeds as food is not reciprocated, and milkweeds do all they can to poison or thwart the young monarchs. Agrawal delves into major scientific discoveries, including his own pioneering research, and traces how plant poisons have not only shaped monarch-milkweed interactions but have also been culturally important for centuries. Agrawal presents current ideas regarding the recent decline in monarch populations, including habitat destruction, increased winter storms, and lack of milkweed—the last one a theory that the author rejects. He evaluates the current sustainability of monarchs and reveals a novel explanation for their plummeting numbers. Lavishly illustrated with more than eighty color photos and images, Monarchs and Milkweed takes readers on an unforgettable exploration of one of nature's most important and sophisticated evolutionary relationships.

Monarchs are a favorite and familiar North American butterfly, and their incredible annual migration has captured the popular imagination for generations. As populations of monarchs decline dramatically due to habitat loss and climate change, interest in and enthusiasm for protecting these beloved pollinators has skyrocketed. With easy-to-read text and colorful, engaging illustrations, Monarch Butterflies presents young readers with rich, detailed information about the monarchs’ life cycle, anatomy, and the wonders of their signature migration, as well as how to raise monarchs at home and the cultural significance of monarchs in Day of the Dead celebrations. As the book considers how human behavior has harmed monarchs, it offers substantive ways kids can help make a positive difference. Children will learn how to turn lawns into native plant gardens, become involved in citizen science efforts such as tagging migrating monarchs and participating in population counts, and support organizations that work to conserve butterflies.

Focusing on the migration journey of one specific monarch butterfly, When Butterflies Cross the Sky engages readers with a story-like narrative while subtly teaching the role of migration in the butterfly's life cycle. Includes a "fast facts" page, a glossary, and realistic, text-match illustrations that pull readers right into the sky.

A monarch butterfly's life cycle comes to life in this beautiful lift-the-flap book. An egg, a feast, a transformation . . . The fascinating life cycle of the monarch butterfly is illuminated in this special lift-the-flap book with illustrations from printmaker Laura Weston. Told in simple language with black-and-white illustrations, the book's many flaps reveal flashes of exquisite color. Watch the monarch butterfly’s metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar to butterfly, then go on an incredible journey as it migrates for winter.

Now in paperback from "New York Times"-bestselling author Monroe, the story of four very different women who embark on a transformational journey following the migrating monarchs across the United States.

"Christians often find their faith metamorphosing and do not know how to handle the troubling changes. Using the life-cycle of a butterfly as a metaphor Alan Jamieson helps readers to see that radical changes need not mean the death of personal faith. Instead he helps us to embrace them as part of a positive, Christian, Spirit-led journey with God."--Jacket.

Using dazzling and detailed photographs, "I Am a Butterfly" teaches the main stages of metamorphosis from the point of view of the butterfly, which is both educational and entertaining. A monarch butterfly faces metamorphosis, overcomes her fear of the dark chrysalis, and takes flight with beautiful new wings. Big changes, no matter how scary at first, can bring new friends and new opportunities filled with delicious nectar.Resources and action points provide many ways to become actively engaged in protecting the monarch butterfly population at home or at school. Readers will learn how to attract monarchs to their own backyard, which is great fun and can help grow back the endangered monarch butterfly population.Although perfect for teachers, parents, kids, and monarch butterfly lovers, adults can also relate to the butterfly's big changes and be reminded that after the dark scary chrysalis come the beautiful wings."I Am a Butterfly" includes: * Beautiful photos of each stage of metamorphosis* Ideas to attract monarchs to your school or backyard* Resources to protect monarch butterflies* Internet links for butterfly research* A life cycle diagram* Fun facts about butterflies* Opportunities to discuss life skillsYou¿re a butterfly, too.