About The Author

Tracy Dockray has illustrated over 30 children's books, including Beverly Cleary's "Ramona," "Henry Huggins," and "Ralph The Mouse" series. Dockray's most recent title, "Bright Dreams," was selected by the NSTA and Children's Book Council as an outstanding science picture book.    

Ellen Federico is the founder of The Event Group Inc., an event planning firm based in Manhattan. She is a writer, speaker, and certified Monarch Butterfly conservationist, who maintains sustainable habitats on Fire Island, New York. Ellen has been featured on NBC Today Show and The New Yorker magazine as The Butterfly Lady of Fire Island. She offers workshops, private appearances, and is available to teach school groups.

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Butterfly Island and the Invincible Crew

By Tracy Dockray and Ellen Federico

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Overview

After a storm, a group of island children band together to restore their washed-away dreams and explore nature's wonders. Tracy Dockray's captivating illustrations breathe life into this uplifting, kid-sized adventure inspired by a true story.
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Description

Through community engagement, children can learn about butterfly conservation and recovery efforts following environmental storm losses, replacing despair with hope in action. Ellen is a helping hand on her father's fishing boat. On the island, she boldly leads a mission to protect their declining butterfly population. When Ellen and her friends sow a simple milkweed seed, it sets off a remarkable series of events. When nature delivers a mighty blow, can Ellen begin anew through the power of friendship? 

“Butterfly Island is well-told and illustrated. What an inspiring story of beautiful people and the nature they love.”

-Anurag Agrawal, James Perkins Professor of Environmental Studies - Cornell University

“Beautifully told and illustrated, Butterfly Island is an inspiring call to action for young readers, led by feisty protagonist, Ellen, who is sure to be a positive role model for girls.”

Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Film Producer 

"Ellen Federico's passion for butterflies continues to have an impact beyond her beloved Fire Island. This story will motivate children to join her. At the National Butterfly Center, we appreciate every effort intended to inspire people to connect with the outdoors and create healthy habitat that supports butterfly reproduction; not just for Monarchs, but for all species!"

-Marianna T. Wright, Executive Director, National Butterfly Center, TX

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Book details

  • Genre:children's fiction
  • Sub-genre:Animals / Butterflies, Moths & Caterpillars
  • Age Range (years):5 - 9
  • Language:English
  • Series Title:Butterfly Island
  • Series Number:1
  • Pages:44
  • Hardcover ISBN:9798350949698

Book Reviews

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Tara
Sweet and educational story This is a warm and educational book about dedication, making a difference in the world, friendship, and values. This is also a wonderful book to read if there’s an interest in butterflies and nature. There are many facts included. I highly recommend this book for any child, boy or girl, especially if they are learning about butterflies and insects. The illustrations are just as good as the story too! Read more
Dorian
Butterfly Island and the invincible crew This story is an exciting tale of the love in a young girl's heart to help her parents raise a crew of seven siblings.Always helping being her father's first mate she listens to her father and mother tell the story of the monarch butterflies journey to try to make it back home to Mexico.After a severe storm takes out all the milkweed plants Ellen is heartbroken But what the story teaches the young children that together they all built the butterfly garden,and with the monarch seeds the fire Island crew had saved we see that they never give up.With this new hope and the courage to never give up ,all the children pitched in and each one planted their seeds. And before long they come together like they always did the way Capt.Bob taught Ellen.Your in charge, everyone help and the row boat becomes the saving grace. And the kids all celebrated.Ellen knows mother nature cannot be messed with but the next storm the boat will float and help save the butterflies on butterfly Island. This is a charming story of how childhood problems aren't always spoken out loud. Ellen had worked so hard to save the monarchs by having all the children help spread milkweed seed everywhere. And as the children learn in life just one seed can grow the milkweed for the female butterfly to lay her eggs.When the crew saw they brought back what once was destroyed it teaches them a terrific lesson that when life gives you lemons you make lemonade. Charmingly written and this story teaches the life lessons about nature and friendships.The crew was happy and cheerful about saving the beautiful monarchs.Ellens story will be a delightful bedtime reading by parents all over teaching their children about life,nature and to never give up. Read more