This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
I am a child at heart and have a gift for seeing nature through a child's eyes as I explore with my grandchildren, my Montessori kiddos ages 3-6, and the child that still resides in me. Writing what I see, hear, touch, smell, and taste is always a challenge to put into words, but I have done that in my first book in a way that young children will be able to explore and learn. I continue to be outside learning as I explore the environment wherever I am. I am a nature girl and that is what they do.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Isla is thrilled to be staying at her grandma’s lake house in the woods. There’s lots to observe and natural adventures to enjoy. In Sherry Krehbiel’s First Comes a Butterfly, Grandma and Isla, two nature lovers, observe a Monarch butterfly laying an egg on the underside of a milkweed plant. Intent on learning more about the growing process, the two carefully cut the milkweed and put it in a large clear container, covering it to keep it warm and safe. During Isla’s visit, the two take pleasure in watching the different stages of the butterfly, from hatching in the larval stage to adulthood. But Isla’s time with Grandma is over and she has to return home. What will happen to her butterfly now?
Sherry Krehbiel’s picture book, First Comes a Butterfly, is a sweet, endearing story that teaches young readers the growth cycles of the Monarch butterfly. Told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills, this delightful story also demonstrates the special bond that a child shares with a grandparent. The illustrations by Simon Mendez are superb and help move this story forward as Isla and Grandma observe and learn together many of the wonders of nature. At the end of the book is a valuable glossary and butterfly terms. While Isla is learning about Monarch butterflies, she’s also learning about the importance of wildlife preservation and so are the young readers who will enjoy this book. Reflecting on her visit with Grandma, Isla says, “I think about how nature girls can be the hands of God. Monarchs are disappearing every day.” So much of nature is disappearing to predators, including human predators. Isla, and others like her, can do so much to preserve the beauty of nature. A wonderful way to teach and inspire young readers and nature enthusiasts.
