Customer Reviews

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is my kids all time favorite book. They ask me to read it to them over and over again. They just can't get enough of Velma Gratch. I think that we all have a little bit of Velma in us, and that is one of the things that is so applealling about it. I highly recommend it.

For anyone with children (or, who has been a child), who felt their siblings had special gifts and that they may not: Read this book! It so solidly informs us that we all are unique and special, and is beautifully written and illustrated in tune with this message.

I read this book to my first grade students during our butterfly unit, and they loved it. The language is rich, using expressive adjectives, beautiful pictures, and weaving butterfly facts into a wonderful fictional story. I understand the reviewer who was surprised by the second visit to the principal, but it facilitated a wonderful dialogue in our class about what our own principal's reaction might be. The class predicted that he would be thrilled to see Velma's way cool butterfly!

A delightful story of a little red-haired girl trying to find her place in the world. Velma Gratch has lived in the shadow of her older sisters, and desperately wishes to be known for something that she alone has accomplished. The frustrated first grader learns that she will take a field trip to the Butterfly Conservatory. Her sisters have never been there. She becomes excited and learns as much as she can on the subject of butterflies. While at the conservatory, a beautiful little Monarch Butterfly takes a liking to Velma, and decides to perch itself on her finger for quite a few hilarious days. Velma will now be remembered as the Gratch sister with the way cool butterfly.
Alan Madison weaves a magical story which keeps readers guessing what will happen next. The reader will not just be entertained. They may accidently learn some really cool facts about butterflies.
The illustrations of Kevin Hawkes are comical as well as scientifically accurate.
My classroom full of 5 year olds loved this story. It was a wonderful addition to our study of Butterflies.

This is a fun story, and I love that it has several layers. Although the story focuses largely on Velma, the author has thoughtfully weaved in other themes: the individuality and the supportive dynamic of the Gratch sisters; facts about butterflies; and a positive "model" about girls liking science (and "bugs"). The only piece that didn't set well was the visit to the principal's office. I understood the first one, as it helped set up the story. But going to the principal's office because of a butterfly on her finger is a little "out there."

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly We purchased this book for our 5 year old grand daughter based on the Amazon reviews. It exceeded our expectations. A sweet story of a younger sister just starting school and finding her niche is charmingly told and illustrated. It has been a popular choice for bed time reading, and I suspect it will continue to charm other little girls for many years to come.

I saw this online and ordered a copy for my granddaughter. When it came I was so enchanted that I bought another copy for a different grandchild. The story is engaging and the illustrations suit the narrative. All the tension in the plot comes from within Velma herself, who is concerned about entering first grade; everyone around her is supportive. It was pleasant to find a book without bratty kids. The reading level and the sophistication level are just right for a first-grader. I highly recommend this book.

This is such a cute book! I read it to my students each year when we watch our monarch butterflies.

Velma Gratch and the way cool butterfly is about a little girl trying to step out of the shadow of her two older sisters, whom every one of the school staff remembers for their special talents. Velma is not particularly good at math, spelling, singing, or sports. So, she decides to stand out by being really bad at each of those subjects in which her sisters so excelled. This does make Velma stand out, but not in a way that makes Velma happy. It's then that Velma discovers science. Velma's metamorphasis becomes complete and she finds something that will flutter her right out her older sisters' shadows for good. This story lends itself very well for elementary teachers who would like to kick-off a unit on butterflies or anyone looking for a funny story about finding your place in life from a child's point of view.The Adventures of Roxy and Mozart

My 6 year old loves this book. She could have it read to her over and over. The illustrations are colorful and fun. The Book also touches on siblings finding their own way and interests. Worth a purchase. It is a keeper for your collection.