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Sophie is a small Monarch Butterfly with a magical eye in her wing that acts as a compass. When the Monarch Butterflies make their annual migration from North America to the mountains of Mexico, where they spend the winter, they become lost. Against all odds, from predators, destruction of habitat and poisoning by herbicides, Sophie leads them to safety demonstrating her perseverance, courage and determination to believe in herself.

For children of all ages, Sophie the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico, explores what it takes to believe in yourself and take the lead when the welfare of others is at stake. It is also a story of one of our most endangered species, Monarch Butterflies, and their inspiring and courageous annual migration from North America to Mexico and back again.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book is donated to the Save Our Monarch Foundation, North American Butterfly Association, Monarch Butterfly Fund, The Xerces Society and other organizations dedicated to preserving the health of endangered species through conservation, education and research.

More Praise for Sophie

Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views (06/2024) – 5*- Celebrate your uniqueness!

Sophie, a monarch butterfly, bears an unusual marking on her wing—an eye that serves as a compass. When small, soft-spoken Sophie realizes her power, she is confident she can lead the way as the group of monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico. Some of the bigger butterflies underestimate her ability, but Sophie is vindicated when powerful winds threaten their flight, and she leads them to safety. Yet navigating the perils of predators, frigid weather, and spoiled milkweed continue to test Sophie and the monarchs. Will her unwavering grit and unique ability be enough to overcome adversity? Read and find out!

“Sophie the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico” is a charming, thought-provoking book for youngsters. Written as a labor of love for her young granddaughter, Celia Straus’s book appeals to nature lovers. Pair that with some catchy rhymes and stunning illustrations crafted by talented illustrator Linda Chambers; you’ve got a book children will be begging you to read.

I adore books that encourage kids to challenge the status quo. Sophie, lower on the totem pole of power, isn’t afraid to rock that proverbial boat. When her pleas to help are discounted and rejected, she doesn’t surrender; Sophie finds another way to show the butterflies what she is made of. This emphasizes believing in ourselves, even if no one else does. After Sophie’s journey reveals her strength and resilience, young readers will feel more empowered and confident about tackling challenges.
The endearing text works in perfect harmony with vibrant illustrations. Chambers’ unique drawings have a quirky, childlike appeal infused with bright colors and bubbly shapes. The monarchs don friendly faces, and the predators look slightly mischievous without appearing menacing. There are also months of the year that appear and seasons to enhance the reader’s learning. Undoubtedly, children will feel at ease as they flip through the pages of Sophie’s adventure.

If you are a parent, caregiver, or educator looking for a picture book to inspire young readers, Celia Straus’ “Sophie the Monarch Butterfly” would be a worthy choice. Children will marvel at the impressive drawings and enjoy the engaging rhymes. Moreover, with only four lines on every page, the text won’t be overwhelming for our wiggly, easily distracted youngsters. With its heartfelt message emphasizing the significance of monarch butterflies and their conservation, this book will strike a chord with older children aged 8-12, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation for ecological issues.

Pick up this book and empower children to be the heroes of their own stories!