A Monarch in Winter: Biography of a Butterfly

Compelled by deep instinct and the curious mind of a retired nurse, scientist, midwife, and nascent naturalist, the author retrieves a too-late-to-migrate monarch caterpillar from a December ice storm. She decides to learn all she can to care for the butterfly that soon emerges in her home while the second winter of COVID-19 rages outdoors. Each day of its longer-than-expected life brings new observations, challenges, and rewards, which the author shares with the reader as journal entries. -How are butterflies and newborns alike? -How and what will he eat? How often? -Does he sleep? Where will he decide to roost? -How long will he live? There are bigger questions, too. What does it mean to age? How do we care for our aging? When do we stop? What can foster a peaceful death? Read to discover fascinating details with easy-to-understand science. In A Monarch in Winter: Biography of a Butterfly, discover The evolutionary similarities between insects and humans Ripple effects on nature and evolution Parallels in life as we cope with a global pandemic and transformation The preciousness of every moment True connection and intimacy among living creatures During these few months of semi-isolation in the second winter of COVID-19, the author creates a new routine, a new purpose, and a new relationship with nature through caring for the small creature in her care. Read this fascinating narrative and witness the butterfly effect on one woman’s life.

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