Waiting for Wings (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Out in the fields, eggs are hidden from view,..." (more)
Key Phrases: Painted Lady, Tiger Swallowtail

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Lois Ehlert, beloved illustrator of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and many other bold, beautiful picture books has outdone herself with this gorgeous (seriously breathtaking) celebration of butterfly metamorphosis. "Out in the fields, eggs are hidden from view, / clinging to leaves with butterfly glue. / Soon caterpillars hatch. They creep and chew. / Each one knows what it must do." As the gentle rhyme unfolds, we turn the small, partial pages that form the larger spread of fabulous foliage in this lush, oversized book. Before our eyes, the eggs turn to caterpillars, the caterpillars to cases, the cases to lovely butterflies. "They pump their wings, get ready to fly, then hungry butterflies head for the sky." The colors become increasingly dazzling, each butterfly springing to life with Ehlert's color-soaked cut-paper magic. Several pages of background material conclude the book, labeling different kinds of butterflies at different stages of development, from the buckeye butterfly to the painted lady to the monarch. A "Butterfly Information" page clearly labels butterfly anatomy and answers basic question about these fascinating fluttery insects, a "Flower Identification" page showcases butterfly-attracting flowers such as the purple coneflower (echinacea), phlox, and lantana, and the last page offers a few pointers on growing a butterfly garden. (Ages 3 to 6) --Karin Snelson

From Publishers Weekly

Ehlert (Hands; Market Day) again spreads her creative wings to deliver this inventively designed picture book about caterpillars' metamorphosis into butterflies. Nestled against a verdant spring-garden backdrop formed by the front end paper and opening page, readers will find a small book within the book. On each of the smaller pages, which are artistic extensions of the main background spread, Ehlert unfolds a rhyming text explaining how caterpillars lay eggs and form "a case in which to grow" before "wings unfold; new butterflies are born!" A series of half and full pages show the brilliant butterflies taking wing, flitting among bold cut-paper-collage flowers in vibrant pinks, purples, yellows, reds and oranges. The brief and cheery tone serves as an inviting introduction into a fascinating life cycle. Several closing pages contain detailed information on butterflies, a visual glossary for butterfly and flower identification (including ways of recognizing butterflies by their caterpillar and chrysalis markings) and suggestions for growing a butterfly garden. On the whole, Ehlert soars with a masterful blend of art and natural science. A must for budding lepidopterists. Ages 3-7.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152026088
• ISBN-13: 978-0152026080
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 10.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,523 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #11 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Gardening > Nonfiction
  #24 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( E ) > Ehlert, Lois
  #24 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Flowers & Plants > Nonfiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Waiting For Wings Soars!, November 21, 2001

By	Rob111111 "Rob111111" (Ohio, United States) - See all my reviews

This delightful story explains the life cycle of the butterfly in a clear, enjoyable way that young children will understand. The rich language with many action verbs and the author's clever use of rhyme make this book appealing to young children. The size of the illustrations are consistent with the story grammer as the pictures are largest at the point of climax in the story- when the butterflies are ready to fly. The illustrations are very brilliant in color which will appeal to young children. The end papers and title page are illustrated and a part of the story. The cover opens up to a large flower garden with the title on the right side. Descriptions of butterflies, flowers and how to grow a butterfly garden are included.
This book will help young children gain a better understanding of nature and enhance their early literacy skills at the same time.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bold, Beautiful, Brilliant!, May 19, 2001

By	Roz Levine (Virginia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Lois Ehlert has authored a spectacular picture book that shows and tells the life cycle of the butterfly, from tiny eggs hidden in leaves to hatching caterpillars and cocoons to hungry butterflies in search of nectar in your flower gardens. Told in a gentle rhyming pattern, her simple text is chock full of information and fun facts that is easily understood by children as young as three. But the real strength of this book are Ms Ehlert's fabulous, vivid and brilliant illustrations that grow ever larger and more colorful with each page turn. With additional information at the end of the book about different kinds of butterflies and their favorite flowers and even growing a butterfly garden of your own, Waiting for Wings is a visual and intellectual feast for inquisitive little minds and their eyes.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, April 10, 2001

By A Customer

I am using this book with students in my teaching practicum and they are absolutely fascinated. The illustrations are wonderful and the story is "simply" beautiful. Easy to understand information about the life-cycle of the butterfly with illustrations that hold interest and stimulate creativity in students. I have also thought of several activities to use with the book in the classroom.