Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous, science-rich intro to butterflies and moths.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WHAT'S INSIDE A CATERPILLAR COCOON delves into the world of moths and butterflies, who come in many colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes, live in many different habitats -- and have adapted in fascinating ways to the dangers of predators who want to eat them. Each page is packed with colorful, appealing pictures showing moths and butterflies in their worlds at different life stages, and there's a wealth of resources for learning more about whichever ones strike your fancy.
Is It Any Good?
Come for the brilliantly colorful pictures, stay for the wealth of engaging science and nature info that's there when you're ready for it in this irresistible intro to moths and butterflies. What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon, by best-selling science author/illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky, follows the life cycle, migration patterns, and other habits of these fascinating flying insects, and the important roles they play in the ecosystems where they live. While there's plenty of quality time to be spent just looking at the amazing illustrations, especially if you're too young to read, there's a lot of detail and suggestions for further reading as you get older and want to learn more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about moths and butterflies, seen in What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon. Do you like watching moths and butterflies when you go outdoors? What kinds live around you? What kinds do you like best?
Have you ever watched a butterfly coming out of its chrysalis, unfolding its wings, and flying away? What's so interesting about this? If not, what part of this process are you curious about?
Sometimes people who plant gardens with the kinds of flowers butterflies like, so they'll stick around. Sometimes kids and their teachers do this at school. Why do you think this is important to do? How does it help butterflies?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Rachel Ignotofsky
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Bugs ) , STEM
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Crown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 5, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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