About the Author

Charlotte Caldwell is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the North American Butterfly Association, and the Nature Photographers Association. She holds master’s degrees in environmental studies from Antioch University New England, USA and in special education from the University of Hartford. Caldwell divides her time between Charleston and her family’s ranch in Clyde Park, Montana.University of Hartford, USA.

Reviews

Eleven-year-old Kirby records close observations of butterflies made in [Kirby's] grandparents' Charleston, South Carolina, backyard during a summer vacation that is as good as a safari. The grandparents provide background, beginning with body parts and going on through classification, identification, the food web, and survival strategies. Kirby makes notes on oversized journal pages and adds color photographs. This pseudo-journal makes a clever invitation to a possible lifetime passion.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Teachers will want this versatile book for many reasons. It can be easily integrated into language arts units, as well as units in math and geography, just to name a few. It would also be very useful for differentiated instruction. Educators will also find this book useful as they teach students how to create a science journal and conduct science research. The book is useful in this regard as it models science journaling and references research tools such as field guides.-- "NSTA Recommends"

The life cycle of butterflies is presented in detail through this attractive and readable fictitious journal. Watching butterflies in the backyard, Kirby learns about gardening, photography, and scientific observation. The photographs will attract browsers, especially images depicting the fascinating, minute-by-minute views of a monarch butterfly cracking its way out of its chrysalis. Kirby is a personable and likable character whose diary will appeal to kids. VERDICT: An entertaining and enlightening addition.-- "School Library Journal"