Sophie the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico
“Sophie the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico” is a charming, thought-provoking book for youngsters. Written as a labor of love for her young granddaughter, Celia Straus’s book appeals to nature lovers. Pair that with some catchy rhymes and stunning illustrations crafted by talented illustrator Linda Chambers; you’ve got a book children will be begging you to read."
- Reader Views Kids
Sophie, a monarch butterfly, bears an unusual marking on her wing—an eye that serves as a compass. When small, soft-spoken Sophie realizes her power, she is confident she can lead the way as the group of monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico. Some of the bigger butterflies underestimate her ability, but Sophie is vindicated when powerful winds threaten their flight, and she leads them to safety. Yet navigating the perils of predators, frigid weather, and spoiled milkweed continues to test Sophie and the monarchs.
Will her unwavering grit and unique ability be enough to overcome adversity?
Coloring Activities
Illustrator - Linda Chambers
Linda Chambers became fascinated by butterflies in 2016 the first time she entered the butterfly habitat in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia.
She created a series of images, greeting cards and artwork from the many photographs she took during her frequent visits. Since then, she has spent time in nearby public gardens, habitats lovingly built in the backyards of friends, and the largest habitat in the world – the Dubai Butterfly Garden in the United Arab Emirates (virtually).
She teaches, writes short stories and Book One of her fantasy novel, The Swords of Ialmorgia, is available on Amazon. She is thrilled to be the illustrator on Sophie, the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico.
"Starting Over" by Jean J. Bastarache
A caterpillar painting
This painting by Jean J. Bastarache, available from Julie Rico Gallery, is a beautiful representation of the incredible migrations that Monarch Butterflies take each year, often with their wings becoming damaged along the way.
Click on the image to learn more about Jean J. Bastarache's art.
