Carlito’s Butterfly/La mariposa de Carlito

K-Gr 2–A beautiful day with blue skies and bright sunshine reminds Carlito of Mexico, where he was born. He had to travel a long way on an airplane to get to his new home, Canada. Once he arrived, he learned a new language, new routines, and how to eat new foods. His new friend Samia was such a great help to him. She, too, has come a long way to live in her new home. While playing outside, Carlito recognizes a monarch butterfly that lands on one of the milkweed flowers. The monarch butterfly must have traveled 2,000 miles, just like he did, and is now resting and eating. He used to see these butterflies in Mexico, by his hometown. The lyrical text describes how the forest floor would be covered in orange and black, and the leaves and trees would also be covered with the butterflies, huddling together for warmth. Carlito thinks about how both butterflies and people can have two countries, the one they were born in and the one they live in. This bilingual tale reminds readers that changes in new friendships and environments can lead to personal growth. Carlito and Samia have light brown skin. Many of the illustrations are done in browns and oranges, calling to mind the monarchs. There’s a mix of fanciful images of the friends riding on the flying butterflies with realistic scenes of the two in the classroom or enjoying a fall day. Some nonfiction elements are sprinkled throughout, such as insets showing the butterfly’s cycle and a map of its migration. Back matter also includes more background info on the insect.