Turn Your Passion Into A Picture Book – The Magic of Monarchs

In summer through late fall, milkweed grows lush along the sides of the road. Milkweed is the only plant on which monarchs lay their eggs—and the only plant monarch caterpillars eat!

One day, while walking with her dogs, Linda Vander Heyden discovered all the milkweed along her road had been mowed and lay drying in the sun. Monarch caterpillars clung to the wilted plants. How would they survive? She began gathering caterpillars as people walked past. On that day, she doubt she saved many. But she wanted to tell their story.

Monarch populations have dropped by 90% in the last two decades. Monarchs face many challenges, and scientists are concerned there may come a time when they no longer exist

McGinty’s Monarchs (Sleeping Bear Press, 2016) will engage and empower children to know they, too, can play an important role in the survival of these beautiful butterflies.

Join her protagonist, Mr. McGinty, and embark on a mission to learn about the lifecycle of monarchs…from eggs, to caterpillars, to chrysalises—to butterflies! And the joy of turning your passion into a picture book!