A Time to Fly: The Story of Annie the Butterfly

Written by Nancy Cartie, Illustrated by Joy Chandler

It was a perfect sunny day in Nana’s garden when Annie and her friends turned into butterflies. All flew off, but not Annie. Annie the Butterfly stayed with Nana for two whole weeks until she was ready to fly.

Inspired by true events, this is a heartwarming story of transformation, love, courage, confidence, and discovery of one’s timely potential. The theme—a time for everything—encourages us to trust the process of self-discovery.

Is it your time to fly?

Bonus: Learn the 10 steps of a Monarch Butterfly’s transformation! In addition to the inspirational story, this book shows a real-life Monarch butterfly’s transformation, with close-up photos from the author’s garden.

5.0 out of 5 stars – Beautiful book with a special message!

“A touching, inspirational story that encourages children that everyone has “their time”. As a parent, I felt this makes a wonderful talking point to encourage your child that everything happens in it’s perfect time. Beautiful and colorful illustrations draw your attention to every detail and you can’t help but fall in love with Annie. An added bonus is the informational piece that teaches the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. A great match of teachable science along with a thoughtful social message.”

Vanessa McFaulReviewed on Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 stars – Simply Beautiful

“This book has a simple and lovely message told through gorgeous illustrations and thoughtful words. The informational text at the end was such a pleasant surprise! This book will be a family favorite and my go-to gift book for many years to come.”

C. MuratReviewed on Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 stars – Lovely Butterfly Book

“I cannot wait to share this sweet book with my first graders! I love that it’s written from the perspective of Annie, a butterfly, who wasn’t quite ready to fly. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and bring Annie to life! This book has such an important message about timing and how sometimes we need to slow down and wait until the time is right!”

Courtney RobertsonReviewed on Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 stars – A Time To Fly: The Story of Annie the Butterfly

“Loved the simple heartfelt message. A book that beautifully exemplifies how things happen in their own time and cannot be forced. Beautiful colorful illustrations. A nice asset to a child’s library. Sweet!”

Outdoor personReviewed on Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 stars – Fantastic Read

“A beautifully told story that I will enjoy reading to my children and grandchildren over and over again! I love the non-fiction pages as well. They would be great to share in a classroom.”

Joy SchwingerReviewed on Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 stars – A time for everything…

“This story is an adorable reminder of growth and patience. As a teacher, I can relate to students who need just a little more time before spreading their wings. Nancy Cartie has tugged on my heartstrings with this book and Joy Chandler’s beautiful illustrations are a perfect compliment. My kids loved the photographs, too! So glad to add this book to my library.”

Jennifer SutterReviewed on Amazon.com

A Time to Be Kind

Written by Nancy Cartie and Sarah Lowry, Illustrated by Joy Chandler

A heartwarming story of two butterflies who go on a journey to explore ways of being kind to every kind. Together they discover the gift found in each of us from which compassion and kindness flow. The theme, “A Time for Everything,” encourages us to trust the process of self-discovery.

Bonus: Play “I Spy” (and find the answer key here), learn about nectar plants that attract butterflies, host plants that nourish caterpillars to grow into butterflies, and compare the lifecycles of Monarch and Black Swallowtail butterflies with photos from Nancy’s garden. Learn how to grow your own butterfly garden . . . if you grow it, they will come!

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