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Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly

Book Summary

Reviewed by Patricia Tauzer

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?

5

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.

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