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Velma Gratch & the way cool butterfly

Alan Madison

Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Picture Book

Ages 4 to 8

Random House, 2007, 978-0-375-83597-1

  Velma Gratch is the youngest Gratch sister and she is now in first grade. Her sister Frieda was very good in math when she was in first grade, and her sister Fiona was a terrific speller when she was in first grade. Both these sisters have fabulous reputations in the school and Velma is having a terrible time living in their shadows. She wants to be noticed too. Her response is to act up so that she ends up in the principal’s office. The principal explains that having a bad reputation is not the way to go.

  Velma loves science so when the class starts to learn about butterflies Velma immerses herself in the subject. Neither one of her sisters studied butterflies when they were in first grade so this is something that Velma can do all for herself.

  Velma is thrilled when her class gets to visit the Butterfly Conservatory for a field trip. She is the first Gratch sister to do so. Best of all, one of the butterflies decides to settle on Velma’s finger and it refuses to move. Velma has to take the butterfly home with her. Indeed is becomes her constant companion and Velma has to go and see the principal again. Something has to be done to get the butterfly to get off Velma’s finger.

  In this utterly delightful picture book a littlest sister finds her own place in the world and shows everyone that she, like her two big sisters, has her own special gifts to offer the world. She, like her big sisters, will be remembered.

  This is the perfect title for a younger sibling who is feeling left out and unacknowledged. It is also the perfect title for that child who loves butterflies and science. With a sympathetic storyline and Kevin Hawkes’ amusing and appealing illustrations, this is a picture book which has a great deal to offer young readers.

 

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