A Place for Butterflies

by Melissa Stewart

Peachtree, Third Edition, 2024

for ages 5–9

ISBN 978–1‑68263–663‑3 (HC)

ISBN 978–1‑56145–784‑7 (PB)

ISBN 978–1‑68263–546‑9 (PB)

Purchase either of these books at your local independent bookseller or Amazon.com.

Butterflies fill our world with beauty and grace. But sometimes we do things that harm them. Stunning illustrations and simple, gentle language introduce young readers to some of the ways human action and inaction can affect butterfly populations. More than just a book about our favorite insects, A Place for Butterflies opens readers’ minds to a wide range of environmental issues.

Honors and Awards

Bank Street College Best Children’s Bk of the Year, Science
Green Earth Book Award
Izaak Walton League Conservation Book of the Year
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List
Science Books & Films Best Books for Children
Society of School Librarians International Best Book, Science
Young Hoosier Award Nominee 2009–2010

Reviews

“Rich with color and detail, Bond’s paintings offer plenty for children to see while they learn the facts about butterflies and the accessible message about conservation.” (Booklist)

“With its emphasis on conservation, readers learn the butterfly’s role in the habitat and are taught how to attract and protect local species. Gorgeous artwork shows up-close portraits of each butterfly, as well as a larger, detailed view of its habitat.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Eye-catching and informative … Stewart describes the niche butterflies fill as pollinators and their importance in complex food chains, and offers tips on helping these fragile flutterers continue to decorate our landscapes. Bond’s realistic acrylics keep colorful step, placing the starred butterflies and their caterpillars in their preferred locations.” (School Library Journal)

“This beautifully illustrated book highlights some common and not-so-common butterfly species. [It’s] a wonderful way to introduce children to a variety of butterflies and highlight the fact that different species have different needs. The book also makes a strong statement about human influence on the survival of these beautiful organisms.” (Science Books & Film)

“Stewart combines the best parts of a field guide with engaging stories about environmental concerns facing butterflies across our country.” (Ithaca Child)

Behind the Book

“This book started with a trip to a nearby wildlife sanctuary in 2001. Scientists there were helping the local electric company develop a mowing schedule for power lines that run along one edge of the sanctuary. It was prime habitat for Harris’s checkerspots, and the electric company didn’t want to mow down the eggs or caterpillars. It was a great story, but not enough for a book. Over the next few months, I collected more butterfly stories and wrote a proposal. Editor Vicky Holifield loved the idea and I soon had a contract. But researching and writing the manuscript took time. So did creating the illustrations. In the end, the time from inspiration to publication was five long years.”