A sweet story. Great to read aloud. Good images. A delightful story about being comfortable in your own skin.

Bison is mostly content, living with her herd in the woodlands with plenty to eat and explore. But something’s missing. She decides to make a friend and along the way she meets many different creatures who share, much to her surprise and delight, how they’re already connected. Finally she meets Butterfly, who seems like an unlikely friend, until they realise that it is their very differences that give them an opportunity to learn more about their forest home as they explore it in their own ways.

I appreciated that both large and small ecological issues were touched on and how big impacts can be felt from the seemingly small action. The last few pages of the book offer some interesting information about Bison - that she’s a European bison who lives in the woodlands, unlike American Bison that typically can be found on the plains.

The illustrations were earth-toned and mellow, conveying a peacefulness and interconnectedness that made me long for the woods. This is a great introduction to ecosystems and has so far inspired the littles I’ve shared it with to learn more about their local ecosystems and the creatures who live in it.

I would definitely recommend this book for any child, especially those interested in nature.

Thank you Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the digital ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved the social message in this book. Yet another great story by Alice hemming, that I can use in my classroom.

Book Review: The Bison and the Butterfly: An Ecosystem Story by Alice Hemming and Nancy Leschnikoff

Rating: 5 Stars

If you're on the lookout for a delightful children's book that captures both the charm of nature and the essence of friendship, look no further than The Bison and the Butterfly. This beautifully illustrated tale by Alice Hemming, with stunning artwork by Nancy Leschnikoff, is a gem that will enchant readers of all ages.

At the heart of this story is Bison, a big, hairy creature who feels a bit down in the dumps. He thinks he’s too clumsy and unattractive for anyone to want to be his friend. But as he goes about his day—enjoying breakfast, taking a bath, and even doing his business—he encounters various forest friends who appreciate him just as he is. With the help of a wise woodpecker, Bison soon realizes that everyone has unique qualities that contribute to their ecosystem and friendships. Through light-hearted interactions with a dung beetle, a lizard, and a butterfly, Bison learns that he has much to offer and that true friendship comes in many forms.

Now, let’s talk about the cover—how adorable is it? The illustrations are not just cute; they breathe life into the story and make Bison's journey resonate with young readers. Each page is filled with vibrant colors and charming characters that draw you in, making it a visual treat.

What I loved most about The Bison and the Butterfly is how it weaves together environmental themes with relatable lessons about self-worth and friendship. It gently introduces children ages 3-7 to concepts like ecosystems and rewilding, all while keeping them engaged with humor and heartwarming moments. Bison's realization that he can positively impact those around him is empowering and teaches kids that everyone has their own unique role to play in the world.

Overall, this book is a highly recommended read for parents and educators alike. It not only entertains but also educates young minds about the beauty of nature and the importance of embracing differences. So, gather your little ones, turn the pages, and let Bison's journey inspire conversations about friendship and our interconnected world!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

An adorable story your family will love. A story about friendship and learning to accept others' differences. The story also shares with us the importance of our ecosystems and how everything works together to keep our world in harmony. Bison is sad and alone, she can even be very clumsy, and thinks that no one will be friends with her. With Woodpecker's help she soon see that other animals still like her for who she is. She learns that they can be friends even though they have differences.
I love how encouraging this story is for our little ones. Teaching acceptance and caring for the environment in one adorable story your family will love. Soon to be a new family favorite.

A good book to teach children about animals, nature and ecosystems. I expected a bit more on the friendship side, but it's still nice to see a celebration of difference and how we're all connected.
It's sad to read about endangered species, and I'm glad they are raising awareness.

This book was lovely. It told a great story that helped share information. At the end there was even more information on why stories like this and wildlife are important. The story is long but does not feel long or wordy. It feels perfect, for the story that needs to be told. The illustrations are a great addition and many of them are fun and would make great wall decoration. Overall, this book is a success.

The Bison and the Butterfly is an amazing tale of friendship. The bison doesn't think she can make any friends until she's encouraged to try. Unconvinced she can find anyone to help and be friends with she goes about her day. As she does she sees how she has a positive effect on the world around her and how she can find friends just by doing the things she loves and putting herself out there. I loved that this theme of friendship wove throughout the book. The author outdid herself by also demonstrating the importance of every part of the ecosystem and how bison are crucial members of our planet. I loved this aspect. I think this would be an incredible elementary read aloud because kids could talk about friendship, feelings, and science. It would be a great entry point in older elementary classrooms to talk about ecosystems and how we all rely on each other. Even for high schoolers you could read it and ask what scientific principles it demonstrates. It would also be excellent for a public library. Highly recommend!

Here is a story of a bison with a butterfly. Though it is not just a butterfly but whoever, that bison met she got intrigued for how come she is helpful for other.
A female Bison was doing her usual activities and got bored and upset thinking that no one likes due to her bulky and hairy outlook. She was just roaming and hitting in a trees to get relaxed but got warned by seeing a woodpecker who could have been hurt as it assumed. But that was the best moment she had as woodpecker made her learn the fact that everyone like different things same like it's peeling of bark with the horns helped woodpecker as that's his food behind that chipped bark of tree.
At last, Bison met a butterfly who lead it's way and they roam around and met with it's herd & other living beings in the jungle.

We learn from this book, even though we're adults that "Ecological Deference" between animals who are the very part of the nature, much more than humans is very common. Their mutual harmony and receptiveness for co-existing is what we humans missed from our society now a days. Something which is called being NATURAL in nature and an act. For children, it is a good book to learn on how animals support each other and how this ecology works. In this single short story author depicted the connection between Bison, dung beetle, woodpecker and a butterfly. It shows very nicely that we just need to be natural to be someone's friend. It doesn't take much.

I really appreciate the illustrations and author for her amazing moral story. It is a good pattern to let KGs learn about friendships, co-existence and to instill in themselves a habit of helping others. They should know for how Nature keep her balance among all living beings, flora & fauna.

A cute picture book using the friendship between a bison and a butterfly to show how the ecosystem is suppose to work. A great edition to any library

I loved reading this book with my children. It was a wonderful book about friendship. The illustrations were just stunning and my daughter asked if we could by the book for real.

This is such a cute book. Bison is sad and want a friend. She finds out how every creature has a place. After reading this book I wanted to find out more about bison's. A great educational book for kids, teaching them about friendship and the bison.

This was a sweet read about a bison trying to make friends. It's a book about friendship, but also about the environment and how important each animal is for the ecosystem. I loved the way the lessons about the environment are made to be part of the story without interrupting the natural flow of the storytelling.

Also, I love bison.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Kids Eco and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this title to read and review. This is a very cutely illustrated story about how all animals are interconnected through our ecosystems, and especially how important bison are to our environment! It was not only great to see the story show how we all can help one another out, but also how we already DO help others without even intending to do so!

Absolutely loved this story! Amazing message about finding and making new friends, partnered with learning how the little things we do that seem insignificant to us can mean the world to someone else. Amazing illustrations.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Bison and the Butterfly is a cute story about friendship and ecosystems. Bison is sad because she has no one to trample through the forest with and enjoy things with. After she unknowingly helped a woodpecker to get her breakfast, she goes about her usual day looking out for opportunities to make friends with other creatures. Eventually, she comes across Butterfly and the pair have a wonderful time together.
I enjoyed how clever this book was about teaching about the ecosystem and all the ways Bison was helpful in ways she didn't even know she was helping other creatures. The back of the book has more information about this and about Bisons too.

This was a cute little story. I really enjoyed reading it to my son. I would recommend it to others, especially teachers of young children and parents of young children. My son enjoyed it.

The Bison and the Butterfly is a beautifully illustrated story about a bison trying to make a friend. Children are sure to be entertained between the illustrations, sound effect captions, and facts about bisons' impact on their environment and other species.

Perfect for children who enjoy animals and nature.

I received an ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Kids | Ivy Kids Eco via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of my favorite picture books I have read lately! The Bison and the Butterfly follows a bison, who is trying to make friends, but struggling to find someone with the same interests. It takes us through all of the ways that bison help the different animals in their ecosystem and even has a bit of history on the importance of bison in the back of the book! It somehow does all of this without feeling too much like non-fiction or too focused on a message. The illustrations are adorable & I rooted for Bison throughout the story. Definitely pick this one up!

Thanks to NetGalley, Alice Hemming, and Quarto Publishing for the chance to read and review!

Such a lovely story, I loved the subject of friendship and how it can be hard to find but so rewarding when you do. I also liked how the book shows that we're all helpful in our own ways even if we don't know it, like the bison.
At the end there's some really great information about bisons that I think it's great for the kids.
The ilustrations are pretty too.
It's a short and simple story but still heartfelt.

*Thanks to NetGalley uk, the publishers and the author for the ARC*