“I love how Pipsie uses her nature detective skills to find clues such as a chewed milkweed leaf.”

This book describes the life cycle of a Monarch caterpillar in such an adorable way. After finding the little caterpillar, who they name Frannie, Pipsie and her turtle, Alfred wake to find Frannie is gone. I love how Pipsie uses her nature detective skills to find clues such as a chewed milkweed leaf. The author sprinkles in the vocabulary of a butterfly lifecycle in a natural way as Pipsie and Alfred wait ten days for Frannie to emerge.

The illustrations are very sweet and will certainly appeal to young children. Just look at that beautiful cover! I also like to end pages that show Pipsie’s science sketches and notes.

A fun facts section in the back provides more information about butterflies. Did you know butterflies taste with their feet? Neither did I!

Pipsie Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar would make a great read aloud book for grades PK-2. It would also make a nice addition to a unit about butterflies and life cycles.