A luminously illustrated and thoroughly informative picture book poetry collection by Sibert Honor–winning duo Melissa Stewart and Sarah S. Brannen that captures the beauty and complexity of monarch and mourning cloak butterflies.

Monarch and mourning cloak butterflies may seem similar on the surface; they are about the same size and common throughout North America. But following along at a butterfly’s-eye-view, readers will discover how they live in different habitats, eat different foods, and have different strategies for avoiding enemies and making it through winter. Because even though all butterflies have the same basic body features and life cycle, each species has its own special way of surviving.

Delightful and illuminating poems, informational sidebars, and lush illustrations will immerse curious young readers in the lives of these two fascinating butterfly species.

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Starred review: "The stunning 'A Winter's Rest - Monarch' spread demonstrates Brannen's meticulous attention to detail - hundreds of individual monarchs... create a mesmerizing

tapestry of orange and black... enthusiastic young naturalists

will devour every detail."  -- Kirkus Reviews

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A Junior Library Guild gold standard selection

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In bookstores March 3, 2026

Now available for pre-order