Each of these introductory science books for young children has a cumulative text, e.g. "This is the tree that Connie climbs. / This is the leaf that grows on the tree that Connie climbs. / This is the butterfly that landed on the leaf that grows on the tree that Connie climbs... On every double-page spread, the left-hand side of the page folds out to give further scientific information, e.g. "A leaf has veins, just like you. The lines you see carry food and water inside the leaf." The text is clear and simple, and the books can be read aloud as cumulative stories set in the natural world, or as an introduction to easy scientific concepts generally of interest to small children. (Ages 3-7)

In A New Butterfly, Connie watches through the spring and summer as an eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly goes through its life cycle. Children will enjoy the cumulative, sing-song verse patterned after "The House that Jack Built," and then peering under the flaps that reveal a caterpillar's metamorphosis. This book in the My First Look at series suggests ways parents and children can explore nature -- without disturbing it.