Puzzle Review

Illustrated Bestiary

Monarch Butterfly Puzzle

By Author Maia Toll

By Illustrator Kate O’Hara

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

750 Pieces

Publication Date: October 13, 2020

 

 

This beautifully, enjoyable puzzle is based off of the book of the same name which was written by Maia Toll and reviewed this past December by fellow PaganPagesOrg writer Alexiel Raynes. Both are filled to the brim with wisdom and the beautiful art of one Kate O’Hara.

 

 

I live in a small community of a couple families that travel together and help support one another. In a lifestyle like this we look for activities that will bring us together and help the group unwind from a day of working, building on a bus, etc so this puzzle was a brilliant addition to our activities.

 

 

Not only did this marvelous work of art give us something to do as a group but the meaning behind the puzzle, specifically because of its imagery and deeper metaphor, was kismet for our little group. While working on this puzzle we discussed our futures and next steps and decided that we’re traveling again in a few weeks. In a way this puzzle inspired the forethought and change it represents.

The caterpillar represents the beginning journey, who you were before life happened. After a caterpillar creates its cocoon it breaks down into a soup of DNA where it still manages to overcome and rebuild itself from almost nothing to become a beautiful butterfly, which represents the fruits of your labor and greener pastures. All in all it’s about perseverance and overcoming the struggle that is life. Even if you’re reduced to your bare minimum you can overcome, and even excel, as long as you never give up.

Kate O’Hara is a freelance illustrator who’s work typically consists of in depth nature schemes combines with decorative lettering and rich color. She has worked for Cirque Du Soleil, Hasbro toys, Series & Affinity Designer and more.

While apprenticing with a traditional healer in Ireland Maia Toll was inspired to write her Wild Wisdom series, which later produced various oracle decks and puzzles, including this one. Toll also owns a small chain of apothecaries called Herbiary in Asheville NC and Philadelphia, as well as online.

 

Illustrated Bestiary: Monarch Butterfly (750 pieces) (Wild Wisdom) on Amazon

 

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About the Author:

Theron Baker is a kitchen witch who connects most to the earth and enjoys foraging for ingredients and being in nature as well as his kitchen.