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The Bison and the Butterfly: An ecosystem story
A charming and funny story about friends in nature, and the nature of friendship! Bison feels very sad and lonely. She’s big and hairy, and sometimes a bit clumsy. She can’t imagine why anybody would want to be her friend. But wise woodpecker knows that everybody likes different things, and the other animals in the forest may be a lot more grateful than she realizes. Soon enough, as Bison eats her breakfast, has her bath and does her—ahem—business, she meets a variety of creatures who love her exactly because of her big, shaggy ways. This light-hearted tale from the bestselling author of The Leaf Thief, produced in conjunction with the Kent Wildlife Trust, explains to young readers in terms they will relate to how the behaviors of different animals within an ecosystem all help and support one another to thrive. The story gently explains the science behind rewilding, and also celebrates difference, showing that, no matter who we are and what we like, we are all worthy of friendship and have a part to play.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 6, 2024
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Alice Hemming
93 books91 followersAlice Hemming is the author of over fifty books for children, including the bestselling Dark Unicorns series (Scholastic), and picture book, The Leaf Thief with illustrator Nicola Slater (Scholastic 2020), which has sold across the world and been translated into nineteen languages. Alice lives in Hertfordshire, UK with her husband and two children, and works in a writing shed at the top of her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 26, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Bison and the Butterfly is a cute story about friendship and ecosystems. Bison is sad because she has no one to trample through the forest with and enjoy things with. After she unknowingly helped a woodpecker to get her breakfast, she goes about her usual day looking out for opportunities to make friends with other creatures. Eventually, she comes across Butterfly and the pair have a wonderful time together.
I enjoyed how clever this book was about teaching about the ecosystem and all the ways Bison was helpful in ways she didn't even know she was helping other creatures. The back of the book has more information about this and about Bisons too.
The Bison and the Butterfly is a cute story about friendship and ecosystems. Bison is sad because she has no one to trample through the forest with and enjoy things with. After she unknowingly helped a woodpecker to get her breakfast, she goes about her usual day looking out for opportunities to make friends with other creatures. Eventually, she comes across Butterfly and the pair have a wonderful time together.
I enjoyed how clever this book was about teaching about the ecosystem and all the ways Bison was helpful in ways she didn't even know she was helping other creatures. The back of the book has more information about this and about Bisons too.
April 26, 2024
Adorable illustrations make this sweet tale of a lonely Bison, who thought himself too hairy and clumsy to be anyone's friend, come alive as we find him making friends throughout his day -- a woodpecker, a dung beetle, a lizard, a butterfly. He learns how he positively impacts each one in this compelling story of ecosystems and bison rewilding. A highly recommended environmental tale for readers ages 3-7 years.
June 4, 2024
The Bison and the Butterfly is perfect illustration children book to learn about how ecosystem work. The book following main character a lonely Bison who try making friends at her woodland. When she walking around and doing her usually habis, she meeting several animals who really appreciate her daily habits. Each of them help Bison to appreciate her self and explore the forest as big ecosystem when each creature help and need each other.
I really like this short but meaningfull plot story. I love our children got chance to learn how special each individual and their part to build a healthy enviroment/society. I appreciate real facts about Bison at the back pages. Beautiful illustration with vivid colors are very eye catching. Perfect book for young readers who love animals and explore the topic deeper.
Thank you Netgalley and Ivy Kids Eco, from Quarto Publishing Group for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 6 August 2024
I really like this short but meaningfull plot story. I love our children got chance to learn how special each individual and their part to build a healthy enviroment/society. I appreciate real facts about Bison at the back pages. Beautiful illustration with vivid colors are very eye catching. Perfect book for young readers who love animals and explore the topic deeper.
Thank you Netgalley and Ivy Kids Eco, from Quarto Publishing Group for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting Publication : 6 August 2024
November 5, 2024
Here is a story of a bison with a butterfly. Though it is not just a butterfly but whoever, that bison met she got intrigued for how come she is helpful for other.
A female Bison was doing her usual activities and got bored and upset thinking that no one likes due to her bulky and hairy outlook. She was just roaming and hitting in a trees to get relaxed but got warned by seeing a woodpecker who could have been hurt as it assumed. But that was the best moment she had as woodpecker made her learn the fact that everyone like different things same like it's peeling of bark with the horns helped woodpecker as that's his food behind that chipped bark of tree.
At last, Bison met a butterfly who lead it's way and they roam around and met with it's herd & other living beings in the jungle.
We learn from this book, even though we're adults that "Ecological Deference" between animals who are the very part of the nature, much more than humans is very common. Their mutual harmony and receptiveness for co-existing is what we humans missed from our society now a days. Something which is called being NATURAL in nature and an act. For children, it is a good book to learn on how animals support each other and how this ecology works. In this single short story author depicted the connection between Bison, dung beetle, woodpecker and a butterfly. It shows very nicely that we just need to be natural to be someone's friend. It doesn't take much.
I really appreciate the illustrations by Nancy Leschnikoff and author Alice Hemming for her amazing moral story. It is a good pattern to let KGs learn about friendships, co-existence and to instill in themselves a habit of helping others. They should know for how Nature keep her balance among all living beings, flora & fauna.
My NetGalley review
A female Bison was doing her usual activities and got bored and upset thinking that no one likes due to her bulky and hairy outlook. She was just roaming and hitting in a trees to get relaxed but got warned by seeing a woodpecker who could have been hurt as it assumed. But that was the best moment she had as woodpecker made her learn the fact that everyone like different things same like it's peeling of bark with the horns helped woodpecker as that's his food behind that chipped bark of tree.
At last, Bison met a butterfly who lead it's way and they roam around and met with it's herd & other living beings in the jungle.
We learn from this book, even though we're adults that "Ecological Deference" between animals who are the very part of the nature, much more than humans is very common. Their mutual harmony and receptiveness for co-existing is what we humans missed from our society now a days. Something which is called being NATURAL in nature and an act. For children, it is a good book to learn on how animals support each other and how this ecology works. In this single short story author depicted the connection between Bison, dung beetle, woodpecker and a butterfly. It shows very nicely that we just need to be natural to be someone's friend. It doesn't take much.
I really appreciate the illustrations by Nancy Leschnikoff and author Alice Hemming for her amazing moral story. It is a good pattern to let KGs learn about friendships, co-existence and to instill in themselves a habit of helping others. They should know for how Nature keep her balance among all living beings, flora & fauna.
My NetGalley review
May 13, 2024
STOP, THIS IS SO CUTE.
A sad lonely bison is looking for a friend to share the beautiful art of rubbing against trees and peeling wood. Instead she finds other friends who, although they don't share her same passion, let her know about the impact she causes on their lives.
What a beautiful story this was! I love the fact that it is based on a project which consists of the protection of the environment and the conservation of bison. I personally had no idea about this problem, and I am glad to know now how important bison are.
Thank you so much NetGalley and publisher for the ARC :)
A sad lonely bison is looking for a friend to share the beautiful art of rubbing against trees and peeling wood. Instead she finds other friends who, although they don't share her same passion, let her know about the impact she causes on their lives.
What a beautiful story this was! I love the fact that it is based on a project which consists of the protection of the environment and the conservation of bison. I personally had no idea about this problem, and I am glad to know now how important bison are.
Thank you so much NetGalley and publisher for the ARC :)
June 26, 2024
Here is a story of a bison with a butterfly. Though it is not just a butterfly but whoever, that bison met she got intrigued for how come she is helpful for other.
A female Bison was doing her usual activities and got bored and upset thinking that no one likes due to her bulky and hairy outlook. She was just roaming and hitting in a trees to get relaxed but got warned by seeing a woodpecker who could have been hurt as it assumed. But that was the best moment she had as woodpecker made her learn the fact that everyone like different things same like it's peeling of bark with the horns helped woodpecker as that's his food behind that chipped bark of tree.
At last, Bison met a butterfly who lead it's way and they roam around and met with it's herd & other living beings in the jungle.
We learn from this book, even though we're adults that "Ecological Deference" between animals who are the very part of the nature, much more than humans is very common. Their mutual harmony and receptiveness for co-existing is what we humans missed from our society now a days. Something which is called being NATURAL in nature and an act. For children, it is a good book to learn on how animals support each other and how this ecology works. In this single short story author depicted the connection between Bison, dung beetle, woodpecker and a butterfly. It shows very nicely that we just need to be natural to be someone's friend. It doesn't take much.
I really appreciate the illustrations by Nancy Leschnikoff and author Alice Hemming for her amazing moral story. It is a good pattern to let KGs learn about friendships, co-existence and to instill in themselves a habit of helping others. They should know for how Nature keep her balance among all living beings, flora & fauna.
My NetGalley review
A female Bison was doing her usual activities and got bored and upset thinking that no one likes due to her bulky and hairy outlook. She was just roaming and hitting in a trees to get relaxed but got warned by seeing a woodpecker who could have been hurt as it assumed. But that was the best moment she had as woodpecker made her learn the fact that everyone like different things same like it's peeling of bark with the horns helped woodpecker as that's his food behind that chipped bark of tree.
At last, Bison met a butterfly who lead it's way and they roam around and met with it's herd & other living beings in the jungle.
We learn from this book, even though we're adults that "Ecological Deference" between animals who are the very part of the nature, much more than humans is very common. Their mutual harmony and receptiveness for co-existing is what we humans missed from our society now a days. Something which is called being NATURAL in nature and an act. For children, it is a good book to learn on how animals support each other and how this ecology works. In this single short story author depicted the connection between Bison, dung beetle, woodpecker and a butterfly. It shows very nicely that we just need to be natural to be someone's friend. It doesn't take much.
I really appreciate the illustrations by Nancy Leschnikoff and author Alice Hemming for her amazing moral story. It is a good pattern to let KGs learn about friendships, co-existence and to instill in themselves a habit of helping others. They should know for how Nature keep her balance among all living beings, flora & fauna.
My NetGalley review
June 6, 2024
Wow! A butterfly and a bison the two most unlikely friends turned into such a great informational tale!
As a teacher, I look for so many ways to bring nonfiction to them in a fiction way and this does it perfectly! I love that it honed in on how one species helps the many. That is a concept that so many of my students struggle with and I think showing them a book that is playful yet informative will help them make those connections better.
Things I loved:
1. The illustrations! - The illustrations are bright and colorful. This immediately attracted my attention so I know it will do the same for little readers!
2. The everyone helps each other aspect. - I loved learning how the bison helps not only from what we know with humans in the past, but how they help their woodlands environment.
3. The conservation! - I loved that at the back of the book it shows readers the differences between the European Buffalo and the American Bison. I had no idea about a lot of that! Not only that, but there is a how to help bring back the bison population and why it’s so important to that ecosystem.
All in all, this book has my stamp of approval for little readers and classrooms!
As a teacher, I look for so many ways to bring nonfiction to them in a fiction way and this does it perfectly! I love that it honed in on how one species helps the many. That is a concept that so many of my students struggle with and I think showing them a book that is playful yet informative will help them make those connections better.
Things I loved:
1. The illustrations! - The illustrations are bright and colorful. This immediately attracted my attention so I know it will do the same for little readers!
2. The everyone helps each other aspect. - I loved learning how the bison helps not only from what we know with humans in the past, but how they help their woodlands environment.
3. The conservation! - I loved that at the back of the book it shows readers the differences between the European Buffalo and the American Bison. I had no idea about a lot of that! Not only that, but there is a how to help bring back the bison population and why it’s so important to that ecosystem.
All in all, this book has my stamp of approval for little readers and classrooms!
April 29, 2024
This book has such a cute art style and I loved how Bison could just be herself while trying to find friendship. She meets some interesting animals along the way and we are taught how each part of the ecosystem depends on other parts for survival. I even enjoyed that the last few pages has facts to teach young minds.
One thing I would suggest is to make the font bigger, especially as kids are attempting to read this and practice their reading skills.
Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Kids | Ivy Kids Eco, and Alice Hemming for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
One thing I would suggest is to make the font bigger, especially as kids are attempting to read this and practice their reading skills.
Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Kids | Ivy Kids Eco, and Alice Hemming for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 2, 2024
After reading this a couple times, I’m actually very moved by the insights about making friends
May 31, 2024
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Kids Eco and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this title to read and review. This is a very cutely illustrated story about how all animals are interconnected through our ecosystems, and especially how important bison are to our environment! It was not only great to see the story show how we all can help one another out, but also how we already DO help others without even intending to do so!
May 18, 2024
Animal and environmental education is so important, and I love that books like this exist to help get children involved in conservation discussion at such an early age. The Bison and the Butterfly is beautifully illustrated, and the text doesn’t shy away from bigger words— not in a way that would be off putting to young ones, more so a way to spark curiosity for inquisitive minds.
I have spent a lot of time in and around Kent, and yet I hadn’t heard of the bison initiative in that area, so I am sure others will also find themselves pleasantly surprised while reading the wonderfully informative final page as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an early access copy.
I have spent a lot of time in and around Kent, and yet I hadn’t heard of the bison initiative in that area, so I am sure others will also find themselves pleasantly surprised while reading the wonderfully informative final page as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an early access copy.
May 20, 2024
Such a lovely story, I loved the subject of friendship and how it can be hard to find but so rewarding when you do. I also liked how the book shows that we're all helpful in our own ways even if we don't know it, like the bison.
At the end there's some really great information about bisons that I think it's great for the kids.
The ilustrations are pretty too.
It's a short and simple story but still heartfelt.
*Thanks to NetGalley uk, the publishers and the author for the ARC*
At the end there's some really great information about bisons that I think it's great for the kids.
The ilustrations are pretty too.
It's a short and simple story but still heartfelt.
*Thanks to NetGalley uk, the publishers and the author for the ARC*
May 19, 2024
Absolutely gorgeous! Such a nuanced story that interweaves facts and messages with characterisation and narrative. (Marked a personal coincidence re the dung beetle and the lizard, but even without that, we would have still loved this book).
June 27, 2024
This book was lovely. It told a great story that helped share information. At the end there was even more information on why stories like this and wildlife are important. The story is long but does not feel long or wordy. It feels perfect, for the story that needs to be told. The illustrations are a great addition and many of them are fun and would make great wall decoration. Overall, this book is a success.
April 30, 2024
This is the perfect book to learn about ecosystems and cooperation. How each action can affect others and some animals depend on this perfect balance to survive, like the dung beetle. In the end, the little bison realizes that he is not alone. A book of community and nature. The illustrations are very sweet and joyful. Perfect for exploring in the classroom or by educators.
Thank you publisher for this e-arc.
Thank you publisher for this e-arc.
April 29, 2024
I want to extend my thanks to Quarto Publishing Group-Ivy Kids for generously sending me a copy of this book for review.
The book tells a heartwarming story that my child truly enjoyed, centered around the theme of friendship. Not only was it entertaining, but it also provided valuable information about Bison, which I know my child will eagerly share with me in the days ahead.
The illustrations in the book are engaging and fun, with a particular highlight being the final pages that beautifully depict the distinctions and commonalities between American and European Bison.
The book tells a heartwarming story that my child truly enjoyed, centered around the theme of friendship. Not only was it entertaining, but it also provided valuable information about Bison, which I know my child will eagerly share with me in the days ahead.
The illustrations in the book are engaging and fun, with a particular highlight being the final pages that beautifully depict the distinctions and commonalities between American and European Bison.
April 25, 2024
What a sweet tale of friendship and nature!! In this story, the Bison meets lots of different friends in the forest - a woodpecker, a dung beetle, a lizard and a butterfly.
The story focuses on themes of making new friends and science/ecosystems. Symbiosis is portrayed between the bison and the woodpecker, as the bison strips bark from trees which attract bugs for the woodpecker to eat.
This would be a great story for children who are just about to start kindergarten or school, who may be feeling anxious about making new friends!
There is information at the back of the book about the two different types of Bison - American and European and Information on bringing the Bison back as they are an important keystone species.
If that hasn't sold you, then it's worth picking up for the illustrations alone! They are beautiful 😍
A very lovely picture book 🥰
The story focuses on themes of making new friends and science/ecosystems. Symbiosis is portrayed between the bison and the woodpecker, as the bison strips bark from trees which attract bugs for the woodpecker to eat.
This would be a great story for children who are just about to start kindergarten or school, who may be feeling anxious about making new friends!
There is information at the back of the book about the two different types of Bison - American and European and Information on bringing the Bison back as they are an important keystone species.
If that hasn't sold you, then it's worth picking up for the illustrations alone! They are beautiful 😍
A very lovely picture book 🥰
April 27, 2024
This was a very cute read!
The bison is very lonely but soon discovers all that she contributes to the environment around her through the friends she meets along the way.
The illustrations were very nice and fitting with the story, and the font used was of appropriate size and clarity for a children's book.
I would likely recommend The Bison and the Butterfly for children grades k-2.
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Complimentary copy provided by Netgalley. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.
The bison is very lonely but soon discovers all that she contributes to the environment around her through the friends she meets along the way.
The illustrations were very nice and fitting with the story, and the font used was of appropriate size and clarity for a children's book.
I would likely recommend The Bison and the Butterfly for children grades k-2.
---
Complimentary copy provided by Netgalley. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.
April 25, 2024
What an interesting and fun story! The Bison and the Butterfly is an eye opener for its readers of all ages.
It explains the relationship between animals and the ecosystems.
The illustrations are pretty and keep the suspens moving during the whole story.
It’s an educative book about the reality and the impact of every animal on the ecosystems everywhere.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, the author and illustrator for this ARC.
It explains the relationship between animals and the ecosystems.
The illustrations are pretty and keep the suspens moving during the whole story.
It’s an educative book about the reality and the impact of every animal on the ecosystems everywhere.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, the author and illustrator for this ARC.
April 20, 2024
Our little Bison needs a friend, what lessons will she encounter along the way?
I’m always excited to find new and beautiful books to read to my little and this one meets those categories. I’m always drawn to the adorable nature themed books that also provide simple life lessons. This one is about a bison who is looking for a friend and encounters several other critters and animals of the forest who share how they all help each other out in one way or another. A simple lesson of how our actions have cause and effect that can benefit others, small little acts that you may not think have much impact can have impact on others. M
I did have a little giggle at the dung beetle part as it took me by surprise but it does make sense plus, everybody poops!
Thank you NetGalley and Quatro Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to review this delightful book.
April 23, 2024
What a charming story! I really enjoyed reading "The Bison and the Butterfly." The art was especially outstanding. The theme of friendship in this book resonates beyond childhood, making it a captivating read for all ages.
April 23, 2024
A fun and informative children's book about a bison's quest to find friends and happiness. It contains beautiful illustrations of nature and wildlife, on top of a valuable message for preservation. Recommended!
August 4, 2024
Book Review: The Bison and the Butterfly: An Ecosystem Story by Alice Hemming and Nancy Leschnikoff
Rating: 5 Stars
If you're on the lookout for a delightful children's book that captures both the charm of nature and the essence of friendship, look no further than The Bison and the Butterfly. This beautifully illustrated tale by Alice Hemming, with stunning artwork by Nancy Leschnikoff, is a gem that will enchant readers of all ages.
At the heart of this story is Bison, a big, hairy creature who feels a bit down in the dumps. He thinks he’s too clumsy and unattractive for anyone to want to be his friend. But as he goes about his day—enjoying breakfast, taking a bath, and even doing his business—he encounters various forest friends who appreciate him just as he is. With the help of a wise woodpecker, Bison soon realizes that everyone has unique qualities that contribute to their ecosystem and friendships. Through light-hearted interactions with a dung beetle, a lizard, and a butterfly, Bison learns that he has much to offer and that true friendship comes in many forms.
Now, let’s talk about the cover—how adorable is it? The illustrations are not just cute; they breathe life into the story and make Bison's journey resonate with young readers. Each page is filled with vibrant colors and charming characters that draw you in, making it a visual treat.
What I loved most about The Bison and the Butterfly is how it weaves together environmental themes with relatable lessons about self-worth and friendship. It gently introduces children ages 3-7 to concepts like ecosystems and rewilding, all while keeping them engaged with humor and heartwarming moments. Bison's realization that he can positively impact those around him is empowering and teaches kids that everyone has their own unique role to play in the world.
Overall, this book is a highly recommended read for parents and educators alike. It not only entertains but also educates young minds about the beauty of nature and the importance of embracing differences. So, gather your little ones, turn the pages, and let Bison's journey inspire conversations about friendship and our interconnected world!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 5 Stars
If you're on the lookout for a delightful children's book that captures both the charm of nature and the essence of friendship, look no further than The Bison and the Butterfly. This beautifully illustrated tale by Alice Hemming, with stunning artwork by Nancy Leschnikoff, is a gem that will enchant readers of all ages.
At the heart of this story is Bison, a big, hairy creature who feels a bit down in the dumps. He thinks he’s too clumsy and unattractive for anyone to want to be his friend. But as he goes about his day—enjoying breakfast, taking a bath, and even doing his business—he encounters various forest friends who appreciate him just as he is. With the help of a wise woodpecker, Bison soon realizes that everyone has unique qualities that contribute to their ecosystem and friendships. Through light-hearted interactions with a dung beetle, a lizard, and a butterfly, Bison learns that he has much to offer and that true friendship comes in many forms.
Now, let’s talk about the cover—how adorable is it? The illustrations are not just cute; they breathe life into the story and make Bison's journey resonate with young readers. Each page is filled with vibrant colors and charming characters that draw you in, making it a visual treat.
What I loved most about The Bison and the Butterfly is how it weaves together environmental themes with relatable lessons about self-worth and friendship. It gently introduces children ages 3-7 to concepts like ecosystems and rewilding, all while keeping them engaged with humor and heartwarming moments. Bison's realization that he can positively impact those around him is empowering and teaches kids that everyone has their own unique role to play in the world.
Overall, this book is a highly recommended read for parents and educators alike. It not only entertains but also educates young minds about the beauty of nature and the importance of embracing differences. So, gather your little ones, turn the pages, and let Bison's journey inspire conversations about friendship and our interconnected world!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
April 23, 2024
The Bison and the Butterfly is a story about how a lonely bison finds a friend. She learns how incredibly valuable she is to others in her habitat. Bison stands by her herd, but is unhappy. She needed a friend.
Bison eats bark from sweet chestnut trees.
Bison heard a...
PECK,
PECK,
PECK, it's a woodpecker.
Woodpecker explains how Bison's bark stripping feeds him. It provides larvae from trees that woodpeckers love.
The woodpecker cannot be Bison's friend at the moment due to his busy schedule.
A bison continues to roam.
Bison has to go poo.
SPLAT!
Dung Beetle nearby is so happy. Grazing on bison dung provides Beetle with food and a place to lay eggs.
Bison asks Dung Beetle if she wants to trample through the woods with her.
Dung Beetle is too busy.
Bison meets a lizard, admires her reflection in the water, and then...
Bison meets a BUTTERFLY and everything changes.
The end of the story is wonderful.
There is a two-page section at the end of the book entitled "The real Bison and the Butterfly..." This section discusses the differences between the American bison and the European bison. Furthermore, it discusses how bison benefit other animals.
In the final two pages, there are photos of actual bison and an article entitled "Bringing back the bison." Additionally, a QR code can be scanned to download an activity pack and learn more.
I found this book to be both informative and educational. It has amazing illustrations. This is a book that I would recommend.
Bison eats bark from sweet chestnut trees.
Bison heard a...
PECK,
PECK,
PECK, it's a woodpecker.
Woodpecker explains how Bison's bark stripping feeds him. It provides larvae from trees that woodpeckers love.
The woodpecker cannot be Bison's friend at the moment due to his busy schedule.
A bison continues to roam.
Bison has to go poo.
SPLAT!
Dung Beetle nearby is so happy. Grazing on bison dung provides Beetle with food and a place to lay eggs.
Bison asks Dung Beetle if she wants to trample through the woods with her.
Dung Beetle is too busy.
Bison meets a lizard, admires her reflection in the water, and then...
Bison meets a BUTTERFLY and everything changes.
The end of the story is wonderful.
There is a two-page section at the end of the book entitled "The real Bison and the Butterfly..." This section discusses the differences between the American bison and the European bison. Furthermore, it discusses how bison benefit other animals.
In the final two pages, there are photos of actual bison and an article entitled "Bringing back the bison." Additionally, a QR code can be scanned to download an activity pack and learn more.
I found this book to be both informative and educational. It has amazing illustrations. This is a book that I would recommend.
April 21, 2024
“The Bison and the Butterfly” is a perfect book for Earth Day or any day you want to learn more about how ecosystems work. Bison is feeling lonely and is looking to make a new friend. As she tramples through the forest she meets a host of creatures that appreciate everything she does for them (even when she poops!). When Bison meets a lonely butterfly, she realizes she can help Butterfly learn the ways of the forest even though they explore it in very different ways.
Bison, it turns out, is from Europe. The reader learns at the back of the book that American Bison dwell primarily on the plains, but European Bison tend to live in the woodlands. The illustrations are in a lovely earth tone palette. This is a very gentle story about ecosystems and how they work.
Classroom considerations: This would be fun as a stimulus text when learning about ecosystems. Students could hear this story, then create their own with a local native species.
This book is great for kids who are interested in science and nature.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bison, it turns out, is from Europe. The reader learns at the back of the book that American Bison dwell primarily on the plains, but European Bison tend to live in the woodlands. The illustrations are in a lovely earth tone palette. This is a very gentle story about ecosystems and how they work.
Classroom considerations: This would be fun as a stimulus text when learning about ecosystems. Students could hear this story, then create their own with a local native species.
This book is great for kids who are interested in science and nature.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2024
This was so cute!! I loved this cute little journey of the bison looking for a new friend and discovering the meaning of friendship and her own self-worth! Plus she gets a wonderful new friend out of it! And what a great way to introduce children to the concept of how important a single animal's role in the ecosystem can be and the way instinctive behaviors benefit other creatures!
What worked for me:
- The illustrations were gorgeous! I loved the soft, but vibrant colors and the textures of the illustration.
- The story text was excellent! Just the right amount of text on each page, with little splashes of different font sizes and styles to keep things dynamic.
- The story itself was so cute and well done! It really illustrated the symbiotic role of animals in their ecosystems without being too "preachy" about it! And the way it was presented also allows room for other interpretations of the Bison's search for friendship that can be applied to the day-to-day lives of young readers.
What didn't work for me:
- Nothing! I really loved this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
What worked for me:
- The illustrations were gorgeous! I loved the soft, but vibrant colors and the textures of the illustration.
- The story text was excellent! Just the right amount of text on each page, with little splashes of different font sizes and styles to keep things dynamic.
- The story itself was so cute and well done! It really illustrated the symbiotic role of animals in their ecosystems without being too "preachy" about it! And the way it was presented also allows room for other interpretations of the Bison's search for friendship that can be applied to the day-to-day lives of young readers.
What didn't work for me:
- Nothing! I really loved this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
April 25, 2024
The Bison and the Butterfly is a is a charming and heartwarming story about Bison, who sets out in the forest one day to try to make some friends.
It features heartfelt messages about the impact we have on those around us, finding friends, and the importance of kindness and empathy. The prose had a beautiful rhythm when we read out loud, and I loved the way it reflected Bison's emotional experience and her self talk. The author did a great job of integrating the story with the information at the end of the book about bison and their ecosystem, which made a helpful conversation started about the importance of protecting our wildlife and conservation efforts.
The illustrations perfectly captured the furry, feathery, scaly and hairy creatures in such an expressive way. We particularly loved the close ups of the faces, especially the conversation between Bison and Dung Beetle.
Thank you Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
It features heartfelt messages about the impact we have on those around us, finding friends, and the importance of kindness and empathy. The prose had a beautiful rhythm when we read out loud, and I loved the way it reflected Bison's emotional experience and her self talk. The author did a great job of integrating the story with the information at the end of the book about bison and their ecosystem, which made a helpful conversation started about the importance of protecting our wildlife and conservation efforts.
The illustrations perfectly captured the furry, feathery, scaly and hairy creatures in such an expressive way. We particularly loved the close ups of the faces, especially the conversation between Bison and Dung Beetle.
Thank you Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
April 21, 2024
#TheBisonandtheButterfly #NetGalley
I don't quite understand why the book is titled The Bison and the Butterfly when many different animals play an equal part in the book (i.e. wood pecker, dung beetle, lizard). The butterfly is the character that says "yes I'll hang with you", so that is the focal point? All the other creatures basically used the bison as a means to an end (dung beetle only wanted the dung, the wood pecker only wanted the bark removed to get the insects, etc). It would have been nice to include other creatures that reciprocate helpfulness for the bison.
The scientific/history pages in the back of the book might be a little advanced for children this book is geared toward but contain a lot of information. I hope caregivers/parents don't miss out on the QR code to access additional material that might be fun to learn more about the bison. Activity sheets are a great learning tool for those that connect with this book.
I don't quite understand why the book is titled The Bison and the Butterfly when many different animals play an equal part in the book (i.e. wood pecker, dung beetle, lizard). The butterfly is the character that says "yes I'll hang with you", so that is the focal point? All the other creatures basically used the bison as a means to an end (dung beetle only wanted the dung, the wood pecker only wanted the bark removed to get the insects, etc). It would have been nice to include other creatures that reciprocate helpfulness for the bison.
The scientific/history pages in the back of the book might be a little advanced for children this book is geared toward but contain a lot of information. I hope caregivers/parents don't miss out on the QR code to access additional material that might be fun to learn more about the bison. Activity sheets are a great learning tool for those that connect with this book.
April 29, 2024
This is a lovely children's storybook with a lot of great themes woven throughout - the predominant one being friendship. The story of the importance of friends and making friends is a good one for children of all ages. I loved that this story also demonstrated how the ecosystem is woven together - with the Bison's seemingly unimportant activities actually impacting other creatures in the ecosystem and providing them with benefits. That underlying theme of impacting others in our ecosystem is important - and depending on each other. I also enjoyed the tie-back at the end to real bison and their impacts on nature today.
Also, the illustrations in this book are gorgeous. I'd imagine that they would be engaging for children as they're reading the book - they're very detailed and support the text that is contained on each page. Overall, a great children's story to have on any shelf. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC to read and review!
Also, the illustrations in this book are gorgeous. I'd imagine that they would be engaging for children as they're reading the book - they're very detailed and support the text that is contained on each page. Overall, a great children's story to have on any shelf. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC to read and review!
April 9, 2024
I'm always excited to find read aloud books that cover a bunch of topics and this one doesn't disappoint. The concept is SUPER simple, Bison needs a friend, and in looking for a friend we get to learn all about the different animals that Bison comes into contact with and how they help each other out. For example, Bison uses her horns to strip bark from the trees and that creates spots for woodpecker to eat. We see this repeated with a few animals before Bison and Butterfly meet and discover that they love the same things and would be perfect friends. At the end of the book there is also an info section that tells us all about bison and butterflies AND touches on how bison were almost hunted to extinction before being brought back in the US.
This book covers A LOT of ground in 24 pages and I can't wait to add it to our collection.
This book covers A LOT of ground in 24 pages and I can't wait to add it to our collection.
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