Award-winning children's literature
Bella,
the Explorer
Butterfly
A journey of courage, friendship & wonder
Premio di Merito · 2021 International Switzerland Literary Prize for Children's and Young Adult Literature
About the book
A story of migration,
courage & colony
Every year, the Monarch butterflies prepare to cross North America — traveling from Tamaulipas in Mexico to Manitoba in Canada, where they rest during summer before returning to the sanctuary in Michoacán. Among thousands of wings, two butterflies rise to lead: Bella, chosen as chief of the Monarch colony, and Peter Maura, commander of the security guard.
From the moment she emerges from her chrysalis in the cotton fields of Texas, Bella proves extraordinary — brave, curious, and full of heart. But the long march will challenge everything she knows.
Adventure
Friendship
Migration
Anti-bullying
Freedom
Leadership
Nature
Inside the book
A world waiting to take flight
From Bella's very first breath to the snow-dusted sanctuaries of Michoacán — six unforgettable chapters of wonder, danger, love and discovery.
Chapter 1
Birth & wonder
The Birth of Bella
In the pink cotton fields of Reiner Springs, Texas, a chrysalis trembles. Two curious antennae emerge first — and the Monarch world changes forever.
Chapter 2
Learning & growth
Bella Goes to School
From her very first flight, Bella stands apart — asking questions, observing adults, devouring knowledge. Her teachers sense something extraordinary.
Chapter 3
Birth & wonder
Bella Meets Elisabeth
A chance encounter with Elisabeth opens Bella's eyes to bullying, kindness, and the fierce power of standing up for a friend in need.
Chapters 4–5
Leadership & duty
Peter the Captain
By general agreement of the colony, Bellita Santeen is chosen as chief and Peter Maura as commander of the security guard. The march must begin.
Chapters 6–10
The great journey
The Long March
Thousands of wings rise together. Through Iowa plains, Minnesota rivers and the Antelope Hills — storms, predators and betrayal test every butterfly.
Chapters 11–13
Triumph & homecoming
Return to Michoacán
After reaching Canada and resting, the colony turns south again — toward the sacred oyamel forests of the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary and the end of the cycle.
About the Author
Vicente Castro i Álvaro brings the extraordinary world of the Monarch butterfly to life with a rare combination of scientific wonder and warm, accessible storytelling. His ability to weave real ecological facts into an emotionally resonant adventure has earned him recognition on the international literary stage.
Like the butterflies he writes about, Vicente's story is one of determination and beauty — dedicated to his parents, who left behind everything familiar to journey toward their own unknown paradise.
The illustrations for Bella, the Explorer Butterfly were created by the talented José Mascaró Bauzá "Dibuvil," and the English translation by Sara Gracia García.
What readers say
Words that take flight
"Fascinated by the force in which the author details the journey of the Monarch butterflies from Mexico to Canada. A vivid and fresh language, but also with admirable simplicity."
— Pilar Morey Piña, Documentalist
"Topics as delicate as bullying and as valuable as love, friendship, and freedom. A story that invites you to the deepest reflection."
— Author's Note Review
"Bella is brave, cunning, and has a big heart — she will not hesitate for a second to help all her friends when they need it."