Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

Category: Read-Alouds

Madison, Alan. Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly. Ilus. By Kevin Hawkes. Unpaged. Schwartz. 2007. ISBN 978-0-375-83597-1.

Entering the first grade, Velma Gratch longs to be remembered for something special. Her two older sisters had plenty of attention from the teacher when it was discovered that they were talented in math and spelling, but Velma feels awkward and incompetent. After several failed attempts to gain attention, Velma discovers a love for science. When the class studies butterflies, she investigates resources at the library and learns everything she can about the beautiful creatures. The class then takes a trip to the local conservatory, and seeing her favorite insects up close fascinates Velma. To her delight, a lovely Monarch butterfly perches on the tip of her finger.  Soon, the class realizes that the butterfly refuses to move, and no matter what they do, it will not fly away! Velma leaves with the butterfly still tickling her fingertips, and throughout the next days the butterfly remains by her side. Finally, accompanied by the school principal and her family, she travels to the local park and is able to convince the butterfly to migrate south with its like kind. Illustrated with expressive style and gentle colors, Velma’s story touches the heart, and her innocent attempts to gain attention garner the affection of readers. Feeling and emotion is portrayed in the text, and the author creatively lures the reader to root for Velma’s success. Primary age children can relate to Velma’s struggle to belong, and they will delight in the story of a young girl and her clever accomplishments.