Do you know where butterflies go in the fall?
The monarch butterflies are heading from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico right now for wintering. To be exact, they long to rest at their home – the oyamel trees in the Sierra Madre mountains.
After making their 3,000-mile journey, they discover that their habitat in Mexico is under threat from deforestation and human activity. And to such a serious problem, all the answers Sydney has gotten from everyone are: “Un problema MUY complicado.” (A very complicated problem). She simply cannot sit around anymore and sets things into motion.
Sydney is in Mexico with her sister Sierra and her parents, all environmentalists in their own way. This is a very lovely middle grade travelogue, following Sydney on her mission to rescue the monarchs. I particularly enjoyed the scenery and the encounters with local people. I loved the steaming coffee! I also now have some ideas of what to order when one day I travel to Mexico: chilaquiles, conchas, and churros. And I won’t forget to tell the cook “¡Qué rica!” (How delicious!).
Like a cocoon transformed into a butterfly, Sydney grows up during the journey too. I, myself, am inspired by this fragile yet very capable monarch.
“Monarchs, known as the travelers, achieve the impossible. They are a symbol of growth, transformation, and resilience.”
This book reminded me of my absolute favourite, Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson.
Thanks to Climate Kid Adventure, Carolyn Armstrong and Netgalley for the eARC of Make Way For Monarchs by Carolyn Armstrong.