A Long Way Home

One day, Jane and Maya’s teacher inspires their curiosity and asks them to think about endangered animals, like whales, polar bears and song birds. Jane was determined somehow to “save animals”, and her grandfather suggests she and Maya think closer to home in their quest to help by saving the migrating Monarch butterflies. The girls’ friendship is further cemented as they embark on a project to do their part which includes planting a milkweed garden that will supply food to the caterpillars. But the process requires patience as the two girls “wait, water, and watch” and carefully protect the plants. The best part for this delightful duo is watching in awe as slowly the Monarch butterfly hatches and finally departs on its long journey to Mexico. Maya likens the Monarch’s long journey and its challenges to her and her family’s migration story.

The lovely dialogue rings true to the characters and highlights the genuine interest of children today in endangered species and the environment. Add in the themes of immigration and friendship, and Jean Little has left her readers and those who have long admired her talents the gift of using rich language to take a simple story and make it powerful.

For those of us who have worked in the field of Children’s Literature, Jean Little is an icon, long admired for her writing inspiring stories, often dealing with adversity. A prolific writer in creating over 50 books while overcoming her own issues of being visually impaired, she sadly passed away last year. Her contributions of authentic stories full of sparkling energy, in readable prose, often with a refreshing message, will be missed.

Gabrielle Grimard’s softly coloured drawings do justice to the story. They ring with emotion, depth and attention to detail which will draw young readers right into the story. The full-page spread highlighting the caterpillar shedding its outer skin, and creating a cocoon is particularly noteworthy, and the joy of seeing the magnificent Monarch finally break out is vividly captured.