Pringle has produced a story that contains accurate, well-researched science for young readers. Kirkus Reviews (February 15, 1997) describes An Extraordinary Life as �A superb, well-researched book that finds extraordinary science in the everyday life of a butterfly.� The book would serve as a fine resource for research projects. It has a table of contents with titled chapters, an alphabetical index, and a bibliography of suggested readings. In addition, Pringle includes features about saving the monarchs� winter refuges and information on how to raise monarch butterflies.
Artist Bob Marstall�s beautiful paintings enhance and extend the story and the science of the book. Captions provide added details and also describe the scale to which the drawings are done. With the exception of a few full-page illustrations and one double-page spread, the art is laid out in a side-bar format, making it accessible for children who prefer to browse for information. Maps are included at different points in the narrative to show the path of Danaus� journey.
The coverage of the topic is thorough and on a level appropriate for its audience. Pringle uses proper scientific terms which are explained in the context of the story. By focusing on the life experiences of a single butterfly, the author allows readers to identify with her as they would a character in a fictional story. �Pringle brings immediacy to his subject by focusing sharply on one monarch, whom he names Danaus.� (Booklist, March 15, 1997) Although it is an effective literary technique, elements of anthropomorphism sometimes work their way into the narrative. They do not detract, however, from the book�s scientific validity and accuracy. �A modicum of anthropomorphism does occur, but it is infrequent and low-key. An effort to avoid an onrushing car or the state of a heavily gravid female Monarch with no milkweed in sight may well be 'frantic,' and these slight slippages are unobtrusive.� (School Library Journal, May 1, 1997)
An Extraordinary Life is suitable for inclusion in the science curriculum, and it meets all three criteria established for science books. (Bamford and Kristo, p. 145)
� It has an authentic connection to science and scientists � Not only does Pringle adequately cover the biology of butterflies, he goes on to foster an interest in ecology and preservation of monarch habitats.
� There must be a story involved, as opposed to a simple reporting of facts � The author seamlessly weaves scientific facts into a sympathetic story of Danaus, a female butterfly.
� The book must suggest, in some way, why scientists have a particular interest for their work � Pringle devotes an entire section to the importance of saving the monarchs� winter refuges, and the efforts being made on their behalf by concerned scientists.
This appealing book will find an audience with children of all ages, and can be read piece-meal or cover-to-cover. The sidebars, captions, and chapter divisions make it accessible on many levels for a variety of ages and abilities. Important ecological issues affecting monarchs are presented on a personal level, that will hopefully lay the groundwork for a new generation of earth�s caretakers. School Library Journal (May 1, 1997) recommends this book for all libraries: �Even libraries that already own Ethan Herberman's The Great Butterfly Hunt . . . Kathryn Lasky's Monarchs . . . and Bianca Lavies's Monarch Butterflies . . . need this book.�
Sources
Bamford, Rosemary A., and Janice V. Kristo. 2001. Making Facts Come Alive: Choosing & Using Quality Nonfiction Literature K-8. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc.
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 14 April 05.
Awards for An Extraordinary Life
NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
ALA Notable Children�s Book
Beehive Children�s Informational Book Award (Nominee)
Related Websites
Laurence Pringle, Author
Texas Monarch Project
Mariposa Monarca
Monarchs and Migration
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY