Book Details
Written by
Illustrated by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly (by Alan Madison)

common sense media says

Way cool tale of metamorphosis and individualism.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this refreshing, uplifting book both gives a quick introduction to butterflies and encourages kids to find themselves.

Positive messages: A young girl's study and love of butterflies helps her find her own identity.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about metamorphosis, and butterflies. They should notice the variety of caterpillars inside the front cover (including Velma, the Orange-tipped Gratch), and compare them with the butterflies inside the back cover (including Small Gratchis). How is the butterfly's metamorphosis the perfect metaphor for Velma's growth? Families might also talk about what makes us each feel special. How did Velma feel at the beginning of the book, and what made her feel more confident toward the end?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Spunky Velma, the third and youngest of the Gratch girls, struggles to establish her own identity as she enters first grade, that is until she discovers butterflies. Her interest leads to an adventure that changes her forever, and makes people around her sit up and take notice.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

A study of butterflies, a trip to the Butterfly Conservatory, and one specific Monarch opens a spunky little girl's eyes to the magic of life, and she changes forever. The use of the metamorphosis of a butterfly as a metaphor for growth and development is made fresh and exciting here by the personality of Velma Gratch. From her "carroty curls" pulled up in springy ponytails to her determination to learn big words like "metamorphosis," "conservatory," and "migration," Velma is an individual, though she doesn't know it yet. In her, both author and illustrator create the kind of independent, confident spirit that we hope all kids will discover in themselves.

Told poignantly in the words of Alan Madison and pictures of Kevin Hawkes, VELMA GRATCH AND THE WAY COOL BUTTERFLY will touch the heart and mind of anyone who reads it. Delicate, creative details, such as the butterfly-shaped formatting of the copyright information, will guarantee that it stays there among other books that are part of the family.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Alan Madison
Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Publication date: October 9, 2007
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 7
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

Review It

 

Review Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more books
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines