Author Fiesta: The Butterflies Come

November 26, 2008

The Butterflies Come

Perhaps its no wonder that journey's - natural or cultural - were so important to Leo. His own journeys - as a young child and young man - had affected him quite deeply. From a relatively short procession down a city street to a 7500-mile journey across the sea, whether by human, animal, or both together, over half of Leo's books would highlight repeated journeys and how they give shape to life as they bring together the participants. ~From Leo Politi Artist of the Angels by Ann Stalcup

Of course his most famous work, Song of the Swallows focused on the annual journey of the swallows to Mission of San Juan Capistrano. A migratory journey also provided material for another book, The Butterflies Come. On a visit to the Monterrey Peninsula, Leo witnessed a an amazing sight. High above the town of Pacific Grove, a swath of orange and black fluttered overhead. It was another wonder of nature - the monarch butterfly migration. In October, the monarchs in a cloud then they stay peacefully in a grove of eucalyptus trees which are known locally as "Butterfly Trees." In spring they leave on their northward journey.

In the book Leo Politi refers to the annual festival and parade. The Butterfly Parade celebratesthe annual return of the Monarch butterflies to Pacific Grove. All of the town's schoolchildren turn out in costume and march down the main street It is held every October. It is fun to see that a tradition that was in existence when he wrote the book is still happening today. Of course the annual migration still happens as it is a cyclical journey so to celebrate it makes sense.

Vintage photos of the parade - 1955 & 1988

Journey North- the educational study website on migration has a section focusing on the Monarch migrations each year. All the butterflies have finished their journey south for the winter this year but you can check out the maps and pictures. Lots of fun and amazing information.

And check out Monarch Watch for more monarch information.

Make a stained glass butterfly craft out of construction and tissue paper. I'll post the template later today.