๐Ÿƒ Wonderleaf

A Wonderleaf question

How does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly?

How does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly?

a real page from the book

A caterpillar becomes a butterfly by sealing itself inside a chrysalis, breaking down much of its old body, and rebuilding with special cell groups already hidden inside it. It is still the same animal, but its body is remade for flying and sipping nectar.

Those hidden cell groups know their jobs with astonishing precision. One area becomes wing, another eye, another antenna. When the butterfly emerges, it must hang still while fluid spreads through its folded wings.

Wonder words

  • chrysalis
  • metamorphosis
  • antenna
  • nectar

Try it out

Look for leaves outside and sketch the life stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly.

Read the whole picture book

Watercolour scenes, straight answers, about three minutes cover to cover.

Open the picture book

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