PPBF: Claudia & Moth

And now on to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Claudia & Moth by writer/illustrator Jennifer Hansen Rolli

Claudia & Moth

Written and illustrated by Jennifer Hansen Rolli

Viking BFYR, Penguin Random House, 2017
Ages 4-6, 40 pp, 610L


Themes:
Pets, Friendship


Opening:
"Claudia loved butterflies."


Synopsis:
Claudia is in love with butterflies. She yearns to take one home, but instead learns to paint them. She revels in the colors all summer, but when winter comes, greys and whites dominate her world. When Claudia encounters a white moth in her bedroom, she devises a plan to add some color and a new pet to her dull snowy days. Instead, Claudia learns that creatures in nature can't be improved upon or contained.


What I Love:
This book received a lot of hype in my area because the creator is a hometown girl. Now that I've finally gotten my hands on a copy, I realize the praise in a natural result of this book's well-told narrative and engaging illustrations. Claudia is adorable and kid readers will empathize with her desire to keep a butterfly in her room. I thought the story had an unusually long set-up, but I was so caught up in the story that I didn't notice until well after the last page was turned. The art is energetic, keeping the reader moving through the pages. The moral is more of an under-tone, turning the book into a perfect story time read which opens the door for further discussion.


Bonus: 

This color-your-own butterfly is my favorite craft
from the list on Danielle's Place

1. Learn to identify caterpillars and the butterflies they become with the guide found on The Children's Butterfly site or try the database on DiscoverLife.

2. Moths and butterflies have some obvious differences. Can you name the four main differences? Find out on EasyScienceForKids.

3. The art-themed birthday party on Crafts by Courtney could easily be transformed into a Claudia & Moth party. Check out the snacks and wall decor!

4. Paint your own butterflies with the coloring sheets found on ExploringNature.

5. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Revuewed by Sue

Reviewed by Julie

Reviewed by Beth

Reviewed by Barbara

Reviewed by Erik

Reviewed by Joanne

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, February 2, 2018 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.