Booklist praises IF YOU LIKE BUTTERFLIES by Lola M. Schaefer in starred review: “a visual knock-out” that “flows beautifully…. [A] colorful and engaging celebration of butterflies”

★ IF YOU LIKE BUTTERFLIES
Written by Lola M. Schaefer
Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

Pub Date: May 2025 / Ages 4-8 / $18.99

This offering on the life cycles of butterflies is a visual knock-out—from its eye-catching, vibrant cover featuring a young girl surrounded by butterflies, to meticulously detailed two-page spreads filled with exotic examples, to satisfying close-ups of various eggs, caterpillars, and pupae. The text is laid out in free form poetry style and flows beautifully, effortlessly weaving together facts and appreciative insights. Each developmental stage is introduced by an invitation to look closely, an explanation of what’s going on, and directions on what to do: “if you find a butterfly egg, / return daily until it begins to change color. / The larva, or caterpillar, is forming.” The perfectly aligned illustrations in water-based ink on hand-pressed paper include young children marveling at each iteration, exploring under leaves and grasses, copying specimens into notebooks, and playing in fields filled with butterflies. The back matter includes references for further exploration, additional information about migration, and fairly detailed directions for planting a butterfly garden. This book is sure to attract browsers and delight bug and butterfly enthusiasts. Even collections seemingly replete with titles about lepidopterans will want to make room for this colorful and engaging celebration of butterflies.