BUTTERFLY COLORS AND COUNTING
by Jerry Pallotta ; illustrated by Shennen Bersani
A lovely and simple concept book covering counting and colors for the youngest butterfly spotters.
From one red Tachyris zarinda to 10 pink-tipped clearwinged satyrs, each full-page painting spotlights a different butterfly variety. The text simply labels the color and number of the butterflies using a large, serif typeface. In Bersani’s fine-brushed, detailed art, some butterflies are shown in the context of their habitat, such as the eight brown Orion butterflies alighting on yellow stalks of wheat, but most of the butterflies rest on pleasingly mottled backgrounds painted in soft hues. The butterfly names, in an inconsistent mix of scientific and common appellations, are included on the back cover in small print. While a little more information on each insect would have been a nice addition for adults and older children, they can seek out age-appropriate books if piqued.
Glowing art and simple concept presentation—just right for the target audience—may make counters and butterfly enthusiasts out of readers.
(Board book. 6 mos.-3)