Butterfly Boy

by Virginia L. Kroll

Every sunny afternoon Emilio wheels his grandfather outside to watch the butterflies. Emilio's grandfather can no longer speak, but Emilio can see the happiness in his grandfather's eyes as he watches the butterflies flutter around the garage wall.

Emilio learns that the butterflies are called red admirals. They are attracted to the color white, which is why they flutter near the garage. Then one day Emilio's father begins painting the garage blue, and the butterflies fly away. Emilio thinks quickly, and in no time the red admirals return, making Emilio's grandfather smile with more than his eyes.

Genres: Childrens, Animals, Picture Books, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Kroll has written numerous children's books since her career started in the mid-80's. Her first book was published in 1992. She started writing when she had her fourth child. Before that, she taught elementary school in Buffalo, NY. She also has written a number of books under the pseudonym Melrose Cooper to mask her tremendous output in so short a time.

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, the illustrations are beautiful. This is the story of a young boy whose grandfather loves to watch butterflies even though he can't easily express it. It was well-written and inclusive of age and cultural diversity.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Sharon💜🫈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this book!

[I Contain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching story about a little boy who loves his grandfather enough to be the butterfly boy.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what strikes me particularly about this one is how we have a young boy who cares very much for his wheelchair-bound grandfather who has difficulty communicating and moving. He is so sensitive to his needs that he does all he can to bring butterflies to him. It's a very heartwarming story, not to mention this seems to be a hispanic family. Diversity, kindness, and facts about butterflies. I'd definitely bring this into a classroom.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. The red admiral butterflies attraction to white and Emilio's bond with his wheelchair-bound grandfather were both wound together perfectly and the writing was excellent. Though the writing is not heavy on literary devices, it was still well told and the story was pleasant. I would read this book with a larger audience any time.

[Katarina Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Instead of always playing with his friends or doing other things, the boy reads books to his grandfather who can't communicate with him. However, the boy knows that his grandfather cares about what he helps him with and that is what matters.

[Leslie Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Not only does it have great illustrations, it sets a great example for how to love and care for the elderly and infirm.