Butterflies are WAY Cool!

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

Written by Alan Madison

Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Schwartz & Wade Books, 2007

40 Pages

Science Fiction

            Velma Gratch is overshadowed by her older sister’s first grade legacy. She wants to stand out and be special. When she is introduced to butterflies, she wants to know everything about them. On a fieldtrip to the local butterfly conservatory, Velma learns even more about them. On the way back home, a butterfly lands on Velma’s finger. The butterfly stays on Velma’s finger for a long, long time. You will never guess what happens next.

            The illustrations in this story appear to be sketches. They are very colorful, and they accurately reflect the text from the story. I particularly like how the colorful the butterflies are. Each one is unique!

            For this story I would do a second grade science activity. As we learn about butterflies, the students could make their own butterfly. As we compare the butterflies as a whole, I would point out the individuality of each one. Being different is not always a bad thing!