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What's Inside
What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions About Moths & Butterflies
With warm and heart-fluttering illustrations, discover the next nonfiction picture book about butterflies and moths from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science!
Butterflies soar in the sunlight. While moths flutter under the moon and stars.
Find out more about these mysterious and majestic insects similarities and differences, and their awestrucking metamorphosis!
Rachel Ignotofsky's distinctive art style and engaging, informative text clearly answers any questions a child (or adult) could have about butterflies and moths in this nonfiction picture book series.
Butterflies soar in the sunlight. While moths flutter under the moon and stars.
Find out more about these mysterious and majestic insects similarities and differences, and their awestrucking metamorphosis!
Rachel Ignotofsky's distinctive art style and engaging, informative text clearly answers any questions a child (or adult) could have about butterflies and moths in this nonfiction picture book series.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2023
About the author
Rachel Ignotofsky
19 books241 followersRachel Ignotofsky grew up in New Jersey on a healthy diet of cartoons and pudding. She graduated with honors from Tyler School of Art’s graphic design program in 2011. Now she lives in beautiful Kansas City, Missouri, where she spends all day drawing and learning as much as she can. She has a passion for taking dense information and making it fun and accessible and is dedicated to creating educational works of art.
Rachel is inspired by history and science and believes that illustration is a powerful tool that can make learning exciting. She uses her work to spread her message about education, scientific literacy, and powerful women. She hopes this book inspires girls and women to follow their passions and dreams.
Rachel is inspired by history and science and believes that illustration is a powerful tool that can make learning exciting. She uses her work to spread her message about education, scientific literacy, and powerful women. She hopes this book inspires girls and women to follow their passions and dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 14, 2024
Learn all about the life cycle of moths and butterflies, what happens at each stage of their lives, their similarities and differences, how they survive, and how these insects help plants.
This was both thorough and succinct, and had depth but wasn't too deep for the target audience. It was pretty much the best book on butterflies and moths for lower grade readers I've ever seen (and it has enough depth that middle grade readers can get a lot out of it too). All those kids/classes who study the life cycle of moths and butterflies need look no further than this book. It has everything you need on the topic, and Ignotofsky's illustrations are charming but still close enough to the real thing you can use it to identify real species. Highly recommended.
This was both thorough and succinct, and had depth but wasn't too deep for the target audience. It was pretty much the best book on butterflies and moths for lower grade readers I've ever seen (and it has enough depth that middle grade readers can get a lot out of it too). All those kids/classes who study the life cycle of moths and butterflies need look no further than this book. It has everything you need on the topic, and Ignotofsky's illustrations are charming but still close enough to the real thing you can use it to identify real species. Highly recommended.
October 23, 2023
With gorgeous & colorful illustrations, this simple, yet informative, book will help readers (young and old) learn about caterpillars, moths & butterflies. You’ll learn their life cycle, simple anatomy, behaviors, and more.
April 5, 2024
Illustrations are stunning and perfect for upper elementary science
September 29, 2023
Wonderfully illustrated.
November 16, 2023
Author / Illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky has created a quirky, beautiful book about caterpillars that transform into butterflies or moths. The book, however, is not restricted just to caterpillars but the entire life cycle of these insects.
The pages are really busy with color and various sizes of text, but the tone is jaunty and inviting. There is a narrative but there are also additional detail that are more scientific.
For example, one page has this text in white on a dark, glossy black background: "The transformation from egg to adult is called metamorphosis. But why do caterpillars change? Why are these insects important? What's inside a cocoon?
Beneath this is branch that has leaves that has eggs (labeled in orange text) on one leave and a caterpillar (labelled) on another leaf. The caterpillar has a rusty red quote bubble that exclaims, "Science will help us answer those questions!" Behind another leaf is a pupa aka cocoon (labelled). And beneath the branch is a beautiful and adult (labelled) moth that is cream, mustard yellow, rusty red with black detail.
In other parts of the book are the parts of a caterpillar, depictions of two dozen or so caterpillars labelled (i.e., the royal walnut moth), plants, and broader scenes such as a farm and an urban butterfly garden.
There is one page of backmatter labeled "Sources and Resources" that suggests educational activities and books.
I love the earth tone colors of this book and the festive nature of the illustrations. It conveys the attitude that learning about nature is not only beautiful but fun.
This would make a great coffee table book but I would also suggest it for a reader's corner in a classroom or a gift for a young reader.
The pages are really busy with color and various sizes of text, but the tone is jaunty and inviting. There is a narrative but there are also additional detail that are more scientific.
For example, one page has this text in white on a dark, glossy black background: "The transformation from egg to adult is called metamorphosis. But why do caterpillars change? Why are these insects important? What's inside a cocoon?
Beneath this is branch that has leaves that has eggs (labeled in orange text) on one leave and a caterpillar (labelled) on another leaf. The caterpillar has a rusty red quote bubble that exclaims, "Science will help us answer those questions!" Behind another leaf is a pupa aka cocoon (labelled). And beneath the branch is a beautiful and adult (labelled) moth that is cream, mustard yellow, rusty red with black detail.
In other parts of the book are the parts of a caterpillar, depictions of two dozen or so caterpillars labelled (i.e., the royal walnut moth), plants, and broader scenes such as a farm and an urban butterfly garden.
There is one page of backmatter labeled "Sources and Resources" that suggests educational activities and books.
I love the earth tone colors of this book and the festive nature of the illustrations. It conveys the attitude that learning about nature is not only beautiful but fun.
This would make a great coffee table book but I would also suggest it for a reader's corner in a classroom or a gift for a young reader.
February 22, 2024
Czy u Was też widać już pierwsze oznaki wiosny? U mnie pomimo deszczowych dni znajdą się też słoneczne, a w ogródku zaczynają się pojawiać pierwsze kwiaty. A jak kwiaty, to niedługo będą motyle. Dlatego będąc w tym wiosennym klimacie, chcę dzisiaj zaproponować dla najmłodszych czytelników i ich rodziców wyjątkową książkę: „Co się kryje w kokonie”.
Każdy z nas chyba wie co to motyl i ćma. Co to gąsienica a co poczwarka? Ale czy wiemy
• jak przebiega cały proces przeobrażania się proces przeobrażenia?
• ile razy gąsienica zrzuca skórę?
• jak bronią się gąsienice przed drapieżnikami?
• czym różni się przeobrażanie motyla od ćmi oraz czym różni się budowa tych owadów?
• czym żywi się gąsienica a czym dorosły motyl czy ćma?
• w jaki sposób dorosłe ćmy i motyle szukają pary?
„Co się kryje w kokonie” to przepięknie wydana książeczka Przeważają w niej ilustracje nad tekstem, dzięki czemu świetnie nadaje się zarówno dla najmłodszych czytelników jak i tych nieco starszych. Kolorowe lustracje przykuwają wzrok i rozwijają wyobraźnię.
To co nam najbardziej spodobało się w tej wartościowej książce to sposób przedstawienia informacji. Nie tylko poprzez ilustracje, ale poprzez układ porównania ćmy i motyla.
Całość jest łatwa w odbiorze. Potrafi zainteresować i dziecko i dorosłego. Zachęca do zadawania pytań, rozwija słownictwo i pomaga poznać bliżej procesy zachodzące wśród owadów.
Na końcu książeczki podoba jest strona, z której można pobrać kolorowanki. Czy może być coś lepszego?
Jeśli lubicie sięgać po wartościowe książeczki to bardzo polecam „Co się kryje w kokonie”.
Każdy z nas chyba wie co to motyl i ćma. Co to gąsienica a co poczwarka? Ale czy wiemy
• jak przebiega cały proces przeobrażania się proces przeobrażenia?
• ile razy gąsienica zrzuca skórę?
• jak bronią się gąsienice przed drapieżnikami?
• czym różni się przeobrażanie motyla od ćmi oraz czym różni się budowa tych owadów?
• czym żywi się gąsienica a czym dorosły motyl czy ćma?
• w jaki sposób dorosłe ćmy i motyle szukają pary?
„Co się kryje w kokonie” to przepięknie wydana książeczka Przeważają w niej ilustracje nad tekstem, dzięki czemu świetnie nadaje się zarówno dla najmłodszych czytelników jak i tych nieco starszych. Kolorowe lustracje przykuwają wzrok i rozwijają wyobraźnię.
To co nam najbardziej spodobało się w tej wartościowej książce to sposób przedstawienia informacji. Nie tylko poprzez ilustracje, ale poprzez układ porównania ćmy i motyla.
Całość jest łatwa w odbiorze. Potrafi zainteresować i dziecko i dorosłego. Zachęca do zadawania pytań, rozwija słownictwo i pomaga poznać bliżej procesy zachodzące wśród owadów.
Na końcu książeczki podoba jest strona, z której można pobrać kolorowanki. Czy może być coś lepszego?
Jeśli lubicie sięgać po wartościowe książeczki to bardzo polecam „Co się kryje w kokonie”.
December 26, 2023
WHAT'S INSIDE A CATERPILLAR COCOON takes you through the life cycle of a caterpillar while also teaching the differences between moths and butterflies. There's a lot of interesting facts for children to see how unique the two species are. A main attribute that people first notice is the way they carry their wings. Butterflies hold them up and together while moths have them out and down. Butterflies are more active during the day while moths prefer the night. It's little facts like these that can help children spot the difference.
The illustrations are stunning with their beautifully drawn and uniquely colored details. Butterflies and moths are beautiful with their colorful patterns and the illustrator keeps that in mind throughout the book. In the back of the book is a section called "Sources and Resources" so children can check out more books and websites if they want to learn more. It's also a great way to get them outside and off their tablets and tvs. I never knew the difference between moths and butterflies even as an adult, so I enjoyed this book with my daughter too. I love the visuals that add to the lesson rather than just words children don't fully understand. It helps them to see the full picture.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of butterflies, bugs and for those children who are as fascinated with the transformation of a caterpillar as I am. It's so intriguing being able to see a visualization of how a caterpillar changes to a butterfly.
The illustrations are stunning with their beautifully drawn and uniquely colored details. Butterflies and moths are beautiful with their colorful patterns and the illustrator keeps that in mind throughout the book. In the back of the book is a section called "Sources and Resources" so children can check out more books and websites if they want to learn more. It's also a great way to get them outside and off their tablets and tvs. I never knew the difference between moths and butterflies even as an adult, so I enjoyed this book with my daughter too. I love the visuals that add to the lesson rather than just words children don't fully understand. It helps them to see the full picture.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of butterflies, bugs and for those children who are as fascinated with the transformation of a caterpillar as I am. It's so intriguing being able to see a visualization of how a caterpillar changes to a butterfly.
January 12, 2024
I was utterly delighted by What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions About Moths & Butterflies and it definitely brought me joy. The illustrations are a combination of cartoony humor and exquisitely realistic artistry that is hard to explain but really worked for me. (You can see, on the cover, the super cute caterpillar with his smiley face while the moth is beautifully rendered and quite life-like; and, oh, those gorgeous flowers and the cocoon!) The information is accessible for youngsters while also being rich and interesting. I love that moths are included as well as butterflies. Picture books largely favor butterflies and certainly butterflies are beautiful but moths deserve admiration, too. Moths are beautiful in a quieter way -- I love their gentle, muted colors and softness (those fuzzy heads and feathered antennae!) By the way, while both moths and butterflies go through a caterpillar life stage, butterflies emerge from a chrysalis and moths from a cocoon--so that's actually a moth on the cover (yay!) Totally chock-full of information, but never visually overstimulating for me, and held the attention of my eight-year-old who says he already knew a lot about butterflies and moths ;-)
November 6, 2023
This fifth book by Rachel Ignotofsky features moths and butterflies, making it a strong choice for an elementary or intermediate classroom science library. Her other books deal with other science or technology topics in an accessible, full-of-wonder-fashion that will help youngsters appreciate the natural world. In this one, which features detailed digital and traditional artwork on every page, readers will find many of their questions about butterflies and moths answered as they follow the two species through their life cycles while also learning about what makes them similar and different. The text also describes threats to their habitats and ways to help them. The book also includes links to coloring pages, activities, and sources and suggested resources. In some respects this book reminds me of the work of nonfiction maven Gail Gibbons, whose books cover similar territory, only this author/illustrator uses a larger pallet, which makes the images larger. Both Gibbons and Ignotofsky seems skilled at crafting books with kid appeal, and they never seem bored by their subject matter. In the case of this book, the title is sure to draw attention. After all, who hasn't wondered what's inside a caterpillar cocoon? After reading this book, youngsters will know and be able to answer that question and many more to their satisfaction.
September 10, 2023
Rachel Ignotofsky is so skilled at engaging children in scientific topics that honors their curiosity. Not only is the information presented in this nonfiction picture book is such a page-turning manner, the illustrations are stunning. I appreciate that the modern style of graphics still honors what the actual natural elements look like.
The info-graphic style used to convey information is easy to follow without feeling dumbed-down. The questions asked throughout the books narrative are given thoughtful and detailed answers. There is a wide range of caterpillars, moths, and butterflies from around the world represented in the book.
One of my favorite picture books of 2023 so far.
This is fantastic for any nature-based curriculum for early elementary aged students.
Pairs nicely with What's Inside A Flower?: And Other Questions About Science & Nature.
***Note: I was give a review copy of this book via the publisher. Opinions are my own.
The info-graphic style used to convey information is easy to follow without feeling dumbed-down. The questions asked throughout the books narrative are given thoughtful and detailed answers. There is a wide range of caterpillars, moths, and butterflies from around the world represented in the book.
One of my favorite picture books of 2023 so far.
This is fantastic for any nature-based curriculum for early elementary aged students.
Pairs nicely with What's Inside A Flower?: And Other Questions About Science & Nature.
***Note: I was give a review copy of this book via the publisher. Opinions are my own.
September 22, 2023
This is a gorgeous comprehensive informational book focused on moths and butterflies. Each page is filled with beautifully illustrated and labeled butterflies and moths. Information about their history and sizes are shared. Differences and similarities between the two insects are also discussed. But Ignotofsky's main focus is on the transformation of the insects from caterpillars to adult moths and butterflies. Life stages are illustrated and Ignotofsky provides more insights into this change process than most other similar informational texts. The book is overflowing with interesting facts and gorgeous illustrations. Technical vocabulary are introduced and additional resources are presented at the end.
October 19, 2023
From beginning to end, What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? is a visual feast. Author/illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky has really outdone herself here. Each page is full of her distinctive art that feels scientifically sound but with personality. Her intricate illustrations of fully grown moths and butterflies are gorgeous.
But Ignotofsky doesn’t stop there. Her book is full of facts that are not only informative but interesting. Kids will really get a kick out of seeing the two insects develop side-by-side. And they’ll love learning about how they can help feed pollinators at their own homes.
What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? is a fantastic nonfiction picture book that is perfect for the home or in a classroom setting.
But Ignotofsky doesn’t stop there. Her book is full of facts that are not only informative but interesting. Kids will really get a kick out of seeing the two insects develop side-by-side. And they’ll love learning about how they can help feed pollinators at their own homes.
What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? is a fantastic nonfiction picture book that is perfect for the home or in a classroom setting.
August 23, 2023
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Butterflies are the go-to science experiment for every elementary school classroom, so if your little one comes home excited about butterflies, this is the book for you. Not only does this book pack a lot of facts, it is also beautiful to look at and read. There is so much to see on every page while somehow not being overwhelming, and I love that it also includes the common names for all the butterflies. A great first book for anyone interested in learning more about these beautiful pollinators.
Butterflies are the go-to science experiment for every elementary school classroom, so if your little one comes home excited about butterflies, this is the book for you. Not only does this book pack a lot of facts, it is also beautiful to look at and read. There is so much to see on every page while somehow not being overwhelming, and I love that it also includes the common names for all the butterflies. A great first book for anyone interested in learning more about these beautiful pollinators.
November 5, 2023
A nice book that explains all the different stages of butterfly and moth's lives and how they are similar and different. The information is presented in a way that will keep most small children interested. I would recommend this for 4-8 year olds. It introduces vocabulary in a nice way that isn't too clinical, but will take some guiding for kids to fully grasp the meaning. The illustrations are nice and colorful without being brash or too bright. All in all, a nice intro to butterflies and moths.
March 19, 2024
This book about butterflies and moths is the perfect book to read on the first day of spring! In my neighborhood, things warmed up a bit early this year so we are already seeing butterflies flitting about. I think anyone that reads this book will learn something new about our flying friends. For example, I learned that there are moths that never eat after they have transformed into their moth form! They don't have any working mouth parts and survive on what they ate as caterpillars! Fascinating.
October 28, 2023
Absolutely gorgeous with stunning illustrations, this nonfiction picture book is not just yet another transformation life cycle book. The author engages the reader through art and language, introducing moths and butterflies and the variety of this species. yes there is a life cycle element, but visually shows different ways different butterflies and moths evolve. This is a must have for every school and home library. Do not miss!
November 11, 2023
At first, I was worried that these pages would be too busy and there would be too much to read. I was incorrect, so if you approach this book with the same reservations, please set them aside. Though the pages are filled with wonderfully detailed, aesthetically pleasing illustration -- the main text is simple and straightforward. Good information is simplified to help readers understand what makes butterflies and moths so cool. Curious young readers will long this book.
January 20, 2024
I would have loved this when I was a child. We all know the life cycle of a butterfly, and some of the differences between moths and butterflies, etc. But this has so much more detail. And much about the art is beautiful (and all is appealing). Includes back matter.
Apparently it's part of a set. I, personally, don't feel compelled to find the others, but I do recommend you investigate them all if you are a parent or other educator.
Apparently it's part of a set. I, personally, don't feel compelled to find the others, but I do recommend you investigate them all if you are a parent or other educator.
January 30, 2024
The illustrations are so magnificent that even without words, this would still be a book worth reading. I learned so much about butterflies and moths, but mostly I just gawked at the gorgeous and colorful display on each page.
I just discovered that Rachel Ignotofsky also offers adult coloring books and jigsaw puzzles from her art. *happy dance*
I just discovered that Rachel Ignotofsky also offers adult coloring books and jigsaw puzzles from her art. *happy dance*
February 7, 2024
There is SO much to look at in this beautiful and informative book! Ignotofsky has meticulously researched her topic and presented it in a colourful and captivating way... children and adults will pour over the illustrations to see all the details and names. I love that the main "story" text is in black so I can engage the book as a read aloud and then go back to sections to explore further by zooming into the details. This is a book that begs for re-reading.
February 10, 2024
Lots of fascinating information in a busily illustrated style. Moths and butterflies flutter around on every page, and most of them are identified. The side-by-side illustrations of caterpillars, cocoons, chrysalises, butterflies, and moths give just a little taste of the great diversity of appearance in the lepidoptera. A page of sources and resources includes activity ideas and a brief bibliography.
May 18, 2024
This is the second “What’s Inside A” book that we have read. The illustrations are just gorgeous. These one have so much great information to learn, they are a smidge old for my daughter as her attention doesn’t allow me to read her all of the facts. I think she enjoyed this one more than the other one we read. We enjoyed seeing the different types of moths and butterflies and their lifecycles.
We would recommend this book to all readers.
We would recommend this book to all readers.
July 27, 2024
children's book. I would not put this as a young adult book. The graphics are very much for younger children under 10/12 years old. Not that the pictures are elementary just better for the younger age range. The information in the book is excellent and very informative. I would use this when teaching children about the workings and importance of the cocoon. I believe this can also encourage a discussion on butterflies and the ecosystem.
November 13, 2023
Not only is Ignotofsky's artwork stunning as always, but the information presented in this young children's picture book is so incredibly approachable while not skipping out on the scientific detail. I learned a ton of new things even as an adult, but I can imagine kids easily following along as well. If you like science and nature writing, give this a try!
March 27, 2024
This is a fantastic book on butterflies and moths, the life cycles, similarities and differences between both. The main text is simple enough to provide informative information to younger students (kindergarten/lower elementary), while the excellent illustrations and diagrams provide even more information for older students.
This is beautifully done, highly recommend.
This is beautifully done, highly recommend.
July 6, 2024
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. This book would be a good one to give to any young reader who loves insects of all kinds. Everyone (including adults) will learn something from this book. The illustrations appear to be digitally created. I love how this book included a page at the very end with Resources for the reader.
August 3, 2024
So beautiful, informative, engaging and charming! Ignotofsky is detailed and accurate with her insect illustrations, yet they’re completely approachable even for small children, with sweet, expressive eyes and baby teeth. She uses a somewhat limited palette and a streamlined approach to the information, keeping the design clean and easy to understand. I highly recommend all her books!
December 10, 2024
I've read several kids' books this year and What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? is my TOP fave for 2024! It was beautifully put together, informative, hopeful/had a message, and enjoyable. The contrast between the light and dark pages was done well and the illustrations were, simply put, amazing. I LOVE this installment to our kids' section!
October 24, 2023
Learn about the differences and similarities between moths and butterflies in this beautifully illustrated and informative nonfiction picture book. Don’t forget to check out the Sources and Resources page at the back of the book for educational activities and further reading.
January 5, 2024
Rachel does an amazing job explaining the life of a caterpillar to Butterflies and Moths. The artwork is beautiful. I learned so much about the differences and similarities between Butterflies and Moths.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews