The Lamb And The Butterfly

Arnold Sundgaard was a playwright, librettist, and author who won many awards and prizes for his writings. He also made use of his lyrical talents by writing children's books, including THE BEAR WHO LOVED PUCCINI, illustrated by Dominic Catalano.

Eric Carle is known around the world for his many highly original and beautiful picture books, including THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR and ERIC CARLE'S TREASURY OF CLASSIC STORIES FOR CHILDREN. For more information, please go to www.eric-carle.com.

Kindergarten-Grade 2 A lamb and a butterfly have a conversation during which the habits and behavioral traits of each creature are revealed. The lamb is bound to the earth and closely tied to its mother's side; the butterfly, on the other hand, is free of the pull of the earth and of maternal bonds. As the story progresses, comparisons can be made by readers about the way of life that each creature is destined to follow. The text is straightforward, and the simple story is highly accessible to young readers. Readers can enjoy deeper and broader meanings in that when storms arise and dangers appear, the freedom enjoyed by the butterfly is no longer to be coveted. Readers can move still onea step further as the lamb comes to see that the butterfly has no choice and must fly south to escape the freezing cold weather against which it has no protection. The bold and daring illustrations make the book interesting but, because of a lack of real distinction in either the text or the illustrations, it's an additional purchase. JoAnn Bell, Richardson Independent School District, Tex.
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