Worn out trying to understand English, a first-grader's attention is captured by the caterpillar kept in a jar in his classroom. As Francisco daydreams about flying over the fields to where his papa works, he draws beautiful butterflies. After a drawing wins a blue ribbon, Francisco makes a peace offering of it to the boy who beat him up on the playground. Just as the caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly, so Francisco must struggle through his own difficult but necessary life transitions. Although heartfelt and touching, this largely autobiographical story, from the author of The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child a 1997 Booklist Editors' Choice, has several big problems, especially its picture-book format. The lengthy story is not age appropriate for a picture-book audience and would be more effective as a first chapter book or in a collection of short stories. Without placing her in a historical context, the teacher seems stereotypic and dated in her rigid rejection of the boy's use of his native Spanish. And in a children's picture book that uses Spanish words and phrases, it is unfortunate that the Spanish title and word for butterfly is never explained or used within the body of the story. Similar to his Pura Belpre Honor-winning illustrations for Alma Flor Ada's Gathering the Sun 1997), Silva's robust and richly colored illustrations are done in the style of the Mexican muralists. An additional purchase with appeal for ESL students and collections that feature Latino literature or the experience of migrant farmworkers. (Reviewed March 1, 1999)

Francisco, a migrant child, doesn't speak English, and when he joins school he daydreams and watches the classroom's caterpillar, whose eventual metamorphosis mirrors Francisco's own. Adapted from The Circuit, Jim_nez's autobiographical collection of stories, the affecting text is less well served by the picture-book format and static illustrations. Also available in Spanish. Glos.

Held back in school because he did not speak English well enough, the author speaks of himself in the third-person to tell this autobiographical story of a school incident. Francisco is a young immigrant boy from Mexico trying to adjust to first grade in the US. Unlike the other children, Francisco wears suspenders, does not understand school bells, and can't comprehend a word his teacher is saying. His fascination with a caterpillar in a jar leads to flights of fancy; he imagines himself flying out of the classroom and over the rows of lettuce where his father works. Difficulties include a misunderstanding that leads to a fight with classmate Curtis, and a butterfly picture, drawn by Francisco, that disappears. JimCnez successfully captures the confusion and isolation of his protagonist in an unembellished, straightforward narration; the ending is impossibly happy, as he wins a prize for his art, makes amends with Curtis, and a newly hatched butterfly goes free. Silva's characters are strongly outlined in black, and his robust scenes of landscapes and classrooms are rich with the oranges of the monarch, echoed in fields, sunsets, and the flannel of Francisco's shirt. (glossary) (Picture book. 6-9)

Gr 2-5-Francisco is excited about going to school-until he gets on the bus. The cacophony of voices all speaking English, a language he doesn't understand, leaves him apprehensive and headachy. He fares no better in the classroom. Though he tries to listen, he is often overwhelmed and his mind drifts. His only solaces are drawing and watching a caterpillar in a jar on the science shelf. At recess, he plays with a child who speaks a little Spanish, only to be scolded by his teacher for not speaking English. During the winter, seeing that Francisco has no jacket, the principal gives him one from the lost and found. It proves to belong to a classmate who wrestles Francisco to the ground and accuses him of stealing it. The child withdraws even further. However, by the end of the year, he, like the butterfly, unfolds from his cocoon and begins to gain confidence. The story is open-ended, with no real resolution, and the episodic plot does not make for a compelling narrative. The strength of the book lies in its ability to capture the frustration and isolation experienced by children who do not speak the dominant language. Potent as a discussion starter, La Mariposa helps readers identify with and build empathy for the protagonist. Silva's acrylic illustrations, using strong lines and bold colors, are a bit overwhelming for the quiet story at times, but are eye-catching nonetheless. Especially suited for schools with an ESL population, this is an excellent choice for raising awareness and creating an opening for dialogue.-Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA