The Moon of the Monarch Butterflies

By: Jean Craighead George

Narrated by: Barbara Caruso

Follow the monarch butterfly as it chases spring north from its winter home in Mexico to its birthplace in Ontario, Canada. Flying through unpredictable spring weather, the butterfly lays its eggs along the way. The young monarch finally emerges from its chrysalis in late May - during the moon of the monarch butterflies.

In Thirteen Moons - a spellbinding wildlife series - Newbery Award-winning author Jean Craighead George has captured 13 North American animals in their natural environments and chronicled their fight for survival. From the lush Everglades to the snowy Alaskan tundra, this series explores the intricate relationships among animals, plants, and the ever-changing environment in which they live. A favorite of adults and children alike, George's entertaining and educational tales of nature alive and in action - Julie, Shark Beneath the Reef, and Julie of the Wolves - have thrilled listeners for a generation. Barbara Caruso's inspired narration captures the vitality of life in the wild, and will leave you awed by this delicate creature's indomitable will to live.

©1993 Jean Craighead George (P)1997 Recorded Books

A Genius of Nature Writing

Believe it or not, I've never read a book by Jean Craighead George. Not even My Side of the Mountain.

This short story about the life cycle of a monarch butterfly, The Moon of the Monarch Butterflies, was my introduction to George who must be counted as one of the best nature writers for kids--or adults for that matter.

This monarch is one of those born just before the chill winds of fall. The butterflies born then have an extraordinarily long lifespan, some six months, which they devote to flight. Flying from their birthplace in Canada south to Mexico, then back again in May. I never really thought about it. but our butterfly on her return journey looks a little shabbier, her wings having lost scales (and thus iridescence) and perhaps picked up some tears.

The storyline jumps around a bit. But the hopscotching is worth it because George zooms in on various other species--rabbits, chipmunks, foxes--and their preoccupations at that time of year. Her writing is lively and expressive so that flowers and grasses come alive under her pen and the private lives of animals inhabit your imagination.

After reading this book, I immediately downloaded an audiobook by David Attenborough, who also turns a poet-scientist's eye to nature, and was wracking my brain for other authors who might fit the bill. Edward Abbey? Rachel Carson? Charles Darwin? (If you write a review, can you list some suggestions?)

I love the narrator Barbara Caruso. Although I remember reading another reviewer who complained she had the voice of a smoker. Don't know about that. But it adds a pleasing warmth to this title.