The Monarch: Saving Our Most-Loved Butterfly

I purchased the MONARCH – Saving Our most-Loved Butterfly by Kylee Baumle. The hard bound book is about 8 ¼” x 8 ¼”. There is 159 pages of beautiful photographs. The book is intended to show you ways to participate in avoiding the decline of the Monarchs. Chapter 1 is short but explains how interest began. Chapter 2 identifies the Monarch and its lifecycle. Chapter 3 explains other caterpillar or butterflies which are similar. Chapter 4 covers the migration south. Chapter 5 details the perils. Chapter 6 offers options on how you can help. Chapter 7 explains the host and nectar plants. Ten milkweed are listed in detail but more information in the appendix. Chapter 8 talks about the predators with photos of each. Chapter 9 approaches the question if the Monarch is in danger of extinction. The last section are ways to help. The Appendix covers more information to reference. This book is easy to follow. If you are a novice this has the information you need to get started in building interest in raising Monarchs, milkweed and nectar.

This book answers ALL your questions about monarch butterflies and how to raise them to release into the environment. It's easy to do and starts with growing milkweed plants which is the only plant where the butterflies will lay their eggs as it is the only food their caterpillars will eat. Over the past four years I've released almost 100 butterflies. It is an awesome experience, culminating in the release of the beautiful monarch butterfly. I also grow butterfly bushes to help the monarchs along in their journey.

I have been raising, tagging and releasing monarch butterflies for a couple years and found this book to be WONDERFUL! Kylee has a very easy-to-understand style of writing, subjects are dealt with in a straightforward manner, and additional information can be found in sites that are listed. The photographs are beautiful. The monarchs need our help and the more we can get the word out and have people do whatever they can to help, the better off the butterflies will be. Kylee explains that you can simply have a pot of milkweed on a deck, or you can get your state to start making license plates featuring the monarch! Wow! Many choices to get people involved. But my favorite is still sharing the monarchs with friends to release -- everyone loves the monarch butterfly. I highly recommend this book, whether you are a beginner and just thinking of helping the monarch or if you are more knowledgeable. Thanks, Kylee, your love of the monarch shows through in this awesome book.

Kylee's enthusiasm for the beautiful monarch is contagious AND inspirational!!! "The Monarch: Saving Our Most-Loved Butterfly" was not only an enjoyable read, with BEAUTIFUL pictures, but it has continued to be my go to reference source. I not only learned about THE monarch, I was introduced to an entirely fascinating world of helping save them. I honestly ordered this book in hopes of learning how to identify eggs, raising caterpillars and releasing monarchs...it taught me there is so much I can do to help. A few years ago I didn't know the value of milkweed..today..I encourage it's growth. I no longer plant flowers just because I think they're pretty, I now plant to bring all the pollinators to my yard. :) Thank you for helping educate me, Kylee.

Outstnding job Kylee. Obviously a lot of work, heart and soul in the production of the "The Monarch". What a great resource for anything related to the Monarch and it's cousins! As I read through it, I was reminded of numerous articles in the National Geographic magazine that I have taken for so many years. Like you, they cover so many important environmental subjects and if I remember correctly a number of years ago they did an article on the Monarch. Thanks for sharing your passion and another great reminder that we need to preserve our environment. I know I could be considered prejudiced, but I still think I can be objective when I say how much I enjoyed the book and how proud I am of my citizen scientist" niece. Congratulations on a job well done! Uncle Bob

I loved this book because it's geared toward gardeners wanting to make a difference. And yet...You DON'T have to be a gardener to enjoy it or to take action with the information. Kylee did a wonderful job of blending the science and interesting facts about monarchs with incredible images and solid steps we can take to help. I learned SO much and it was all absolutely fascinating!! I especially enjoyed learning about the migration. We can all help with the plight of the monarch and it's so easy to do. If you are someone who wants to help the monarch thrive, or a lover of nature, or a teacher/parent wanting to educate children about the delicate balance of the ecosystem or you are a gardener...well, this is the only monarch book you need.

Books don't get anymore more gorgeous than this one! I asked for this book as gift and it did not disappoint. Kylee Baumle has a true love for monarchs as I do and is involved with them beyond writing books about them. I don't know Kylee personally, but we have some friends in common and I am quite confident that her knowledge about these magnificent butterflies runs deep. This is a great addition to a your book collection if you are interested at all in monarchs, nature, or conservation. When I do butterfly presentations, I bring this book to show. Whether you are new to monarchs or a pro, you will appreciate this book.

I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting Kylee at the Lurie Garden, in Chicago, when she was on a Garden Writers of America tour. I found her to very friendly and full of passion and knowledge about the monarch. I could not wait to get home and order her book as I felt it continued our shared monarch experience and then empowered me to continue exploring the topic and eventually raising over 40 of my own butterflies this summer. It has been a most joyful experience. Her book is beautiful in so many ways. It would make a lovely gift but treat yourself first!

The monarch's life as a caterpillar and adult are explained along with colourful photos. Also, a good account is given about the milkweed plant that plays an important role in the butterfly's survival. The conservation and awareness about the challenges faced by the monarch in a changing world are highlighted well. This book is an important awareness tool for both children and grown ups to understand the life of a monarch, and take steps for its conservation.

My wife loves monarchs and has many milkweed plants for their advancement. She loves this book and it has been very useful in broadening her knowledge on the monarchs

Excellent book, packed full of valuable information. A great resource!