2024 Texas Great Read
Youth Selection

The Mystery of the Monarchs written by Barb Rosenstock
and illustrated by Erika Meza

The Mystery of the Monarchs written by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Erika Meza
A gorgeous picture book based on the true story of a scientist who solves the mysteries of monarch butterfly migration—with the help of schoolchildren! Young Fred Urquhart was fascinated by insects, especially his favorite, the monarch butterfly. He wondered where monarchs spent the winter. No one knew. After he became an entomologist (bug scientist), Fred and his wife, Norah, tagged hundreds of butterflies, hoping to solve the mystery of the monarchs. As many Texas students know, the monarch butterfly is the official state insect of Texas. Texas is an important state in monarch migration because it is situated between the principal breeding grounds in the north and the overwintering areas in Mexico.
 

About the Author

Author Barb Rosenstock likes true stories about real people. She is the author of nonfiction and historical fiction children’s books that combine deep research and playful language to bring history to life. Her book, The Noisy Paint Box, illustrated by Mary Grandpré, received a Caldecott Honor. Barb loves sharing stories and inspiring students in schools and libraries across the country. She lives with her family near Chicago.
Visit her at barbrosenstock.com.

About the Illustrator

Illustrator Erika Meza was born in Morelia, in the Mexican state where monarch butterflies go for the winter. She grew up in awe of the phenomenon and carried the image of the butterfly as a piece of home when she moved to Paris, France, to follow her dream of becoming an author and illustrator. Her themes are born out of the exploration of her migrant essence, her bittersweet relationship with change and her attachment to innocence and curiosity. She now lives in London. Learn more about Erika at ErikaMeza.com.

  Photo of Erika by Eduardo Garcia.