Once upon a time, in a land of endless summer and blossoming flowers, there lived a curious and lively little Monarch caterpillar named Mariposa. Mariposa loved to eat and play, spending her days munching on delicious milkweed leaves and exploring the fascinating garden world around her. One day, after she’d grown much bigger and stronger, Mariposa began to feel a bit strange.
A deep, powerful magic was stirring within her. Remembering the tales her mother had told her, she realized it was time for her transformation. It was time for her to create her chrysalis.
With courage in her heart, Mariposa chose a quiet branch under the shade of her favorite milkweed plant. There, she spun a silky pad to hang from and slowly, started to create a small green shell around herself. This was her chrysalis, a special room where she would rest and transform.
The chrysalis glowed with a gentle emerald light, a magic cocoon that kept Mariposa safe and warm. The days turned into nights and nights into days, and while the world went on its merry way, Mariposa stayed in her chrysalis, changing in ways that were both magical and a bit mysterious.
One day, a young boy named Tim, who loved to explore the garden, noticed the glowing chrysalis. He wondered what was inside and how long it would take for it to open. So, he decided to visit it every day, waiting for the surprise that was to come.
On the 10th day of his vigil, nothing happened. Nor on the 11th. He was starting to lose hope. But then, on the 12th day, something miraculous happened. The chrysalis started to change. It became translucent, and he could see the outlines of delicate wings within.
On the morning of the 14th day, Tim ran to the garden as fast as he could. And there, where once the glowing chrysalis hung, was now a beautiful Monarch butterfly, ready to greet the world. It was Mariposa, transformed and more beautiful than ever. She spread her gorgeous orange and black wings, thanked Tim for his company, and took off into the sky, beginning her new life as a butterfly.
And so, the magical tale of Mariposa taught Tim and all the children in the land that transformation takes time and patience. For a Monarch caterpillar, it takes around two weeks inside the chrysalis to become a beautiful butterfly. This is a time of magical change, and as with all good things, it cannot be rushed. For in the end, the wait is always worth the wonder that emerges.
The Adventures of Johnny Butterflyseed – Author Signed First Edition Children’s Book
Save the monarchs!
Johnny Butterflyseed and his fairy friend, Raven Silverwing, embark on a mission to save the rapidly disappearing butterflies. They enlist the help of Queen Venus Goldwing and her kingdom of monarchs to educate and inspire kids to become butterfly farmers. At first, Johnny faces his own internal struggle with self-doubt and fear in his ability to make a difference, but then soon develops a mindset that allows him to not only get started, but also make progress one day at a time. Through challenge after challenge, Johnny learns that he is not alone in his mission and that there are many people who want to help. Together, Johnny, Raven, and Queen Venus educate thousands of children on becoming butterfly farmers.