An Extraordinary Ordinary Moth

Think back to when you were a child. Remember the kids who were the best at something? Sports or school or music? The kids who seemed to always be at the top of whatever it is they were doing? Did you ever feel, by comparison, un-special? Karlin Gray and Steliyana Doneva’s beautiful An Extraordinary Ordinary Moth is the perfect book for kids who don’t see their own special contributions.

In lavishly colored illustrations, Doneva’s artwork accompanies Gray’s simple story of a small gray moth who feels lackluster next to the more decorative moths—Luna, Spider, etc.—and certainly next to butterflies. The small gray moth doesn’t think it has anything to offer the world, especially when a little girl happens upon the moth and finds it unappealing. But the little girl’s older brother happens along and points out all of the unique and beautiful features of this ordinary moth, explaining that this kind of moth, the average one, is his absolute favorite. In the end, his sister is won over and declares this moth to be her favorite, too. The little gray ordinary moth then realizes it is truly extraordinary.

Told in rhyme with moth facts and activities in the back, An Extraordinary Ordinary Moth is a perfect read for any child interested in science or moths. It is also a perfect reminder that everyone and everything, no matter how seemingly ordinary, is extraordinary to the right person.