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Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly

(2007, Fiction - Picture Book, Written by Alan Madison, Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Way cool tale of metamorphosis and individualism.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A young girl's study and love of butterflies helps her find her own identity.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness :

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly

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

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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