Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

by Alan Madison, Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator)

This School Library Journal Best Book of the Year celebrates everything butterfly, from migration to metamorphosis! Kids will love reading about Velma's own transformation from a timid first grader into a confident scientist.

It's hard to be Velma entering first grade. That's because everyone has marvelous memories of her two older sisters, who were practically perfect first graders, and no one even notices Velma. But all that changes on a class trip to the butterfly conservatory, a place neither of her sisters has been. When a monarch roosts on Velma's finger and won't budge for days—no one will ever forget it . . . or her! 

Here's the perfect addition to any science curriculum. 

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Childrens, School, Animals, Realistic Fiction, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 9, 2007

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

First-grader Velma Gratch longs for a way to distinguish herself, and step out from the shadow cast by her two elder sisters, Frieda and Fiona. With teachers that still speak of Frieda's beautiful singing and Fiona's swift running, not to mention their talent for math and spelling, how can Velma demonstrate that she too is special? The answer comes during a class trip to the butterfly conservatory, where Velma has an enchanted encounter that no one will ever forget...

I "found" this book some time ago for a fellow reader who belongs to the children's literature group I moderate, and have been meaning to return to it ever since. Ideal for young butterfly enthusiasts, Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly also addresses the emotional world of younger siblings, who often feel overshadowed by their older brothers and sisters. Kevin Hawkes, whose work I have encountered before in the fantasy novels of Eva Ibbotson, here delivers illustrations that are whimsical and expressive, enhancing the appeal of Madison's tale.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book’s message will resonate with younger siblings who feel overshadowed by their older sisters or brothers. The story is engaging and the pictures are worthy of a story where beautiful butterflies play a large role. I love how science is Velma’s best subject and appreciated the information given about the nature of butterflies. There’s just the right amount of humor and pathos, and Velma and her sisters are all depicted as likeable girls. This would make a good book for discussion within families or in classrooms.

[(NS) Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade Level: K-2

Velma Gratch is the youngest of the three Gratch sisters, and has a tough act to follow as she enters first grade. Her older sisters are remembered fondly by Velma's teachers, making her eager to stand out from the crowd. At first Velma seeks out attention in negative ways, but eventually develops her own unique identity as she becomes entranced by the beautiful world of butterlies.

Students with siblings will relate especially well to this story of finding your own special niche in your family, school, and the world. Illustrator Kevin Hakes draws the reader into a vivid world depicted through oil pastels and watercolor, and a main character who looks strikingly similar to her favorite butterfly species. This book includes references to the life cycle of a butterfly, and challenging vocabulary such as migration, conservatory, and antennae, making this book a natural tie-in for a science unit on butterflies.

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

2010 Monarch Award master list
The end papers depict an army of caterpillars on the front and a swarm of butterflies on the back, with Velma herself, an orange-tipped gratch, emerging over the course of the story from her older sisters’ shadows into a first grader with talents and interests of her own. She finds her 5 minutes of fame in the Butterfly Conservatory when a Monarch butterfly, orange like Velma’s hair, lands on her finger and refuses to leave. Everyone knows you can’t touch a butterfly’s wings, because, as Velma informs us, ‘they’re made of teeny tiny scales that could rub off like dust, and that is not good.’ Eventually, Velma’s butterfly joins the other Monarchs from the Conservatory as they begin their migration to Mexico.
You will definitely want to read this book before a class trip to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Stop in the gift shop while you’re there and get your own butterfly habitat and mail-order caterpillars to witness the miracle of ‘metal-more-for-this’ in your own classroom or library.

[Louize · Rating 4 out of 5]

Velma Gratch, the first grader whom everyone will remember.

[The Campbell Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

We loved the illustrations, the story and especially the butterflies!

[Annette Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

K-2. Velma Gratch, the youngest of three sisters is entering first grade. When we first meet Velma she is feeling left out in school because the teachers seem to remember her sisters Freida, who had a voice like an angel and Fiona, who ran like the devil. The two older sisters also had a penchant for math and spelling. It seems everyone at school,including the class guinea pig, could remember the older Gratch sisters but no one could even remember Velma's name. Velma then tries to do the opposite of what her sisters did in order to get noticed. And noticed she was. After being sent to principal's office she realizes her sisters are remembered for doing well in class. Velma's favorite subject is science and when the teacher explains about butterflies and metamorphorsis, our little Velma experiences a change as well.

This is a wonderful story about sibling rivalry and how one person can feel unintentionally undermined by a sibling's accomplishments. The illustrations, by Kevin Hawkes, are vibrant, brightly colored, whimsical sketches capturing the wonderment of childhood and the excitement of learning. Velma is illustrated as wide-eyed and innocent.The story is reminiscent of an allegory detailing a butterfly's migration with the character discovering her own importance and individuality. The tone of the story is a quest of sorts and takes the reader on a journey. Young readers will delight in the illustrations,especially the two-page center fold-out which shows the similarities between Velma and the monarch butterfly. Adults will recall their own innocence when the simplest of discoveries would yield the sweetest pleasures. Great as a read-aloud and as part of a science unit.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most younger siblings will tell you: an older brother or sister can be a hard act to follow. It never fails – big bro or sis make all the right choices, get the best grades, and generally make it impossible for anyone to top them. “Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly” tells the story of this familiar family struggle with honesty and humor.

Velma is the youngest of three Gratch sisters, and is desperate to make her mark. The accomplishments of Fiona and Frieda read like a how-to guide for hogging the spotlight: you’ve got your good singers, good athletes, and good spellers. Velma feels the pressure and starts looking for attention in all the wrong ways. But it is her love of science and, specifically, butterflies that allow Velma to make a name for herself.

Readers with older siblings will identify with Velma’s emotions as she finds her own course. A butterfly lifecycle tie-in adds another dimension, making the story useful for teaching as well.“Velma Gratch” should have no problem standing out.

[Lauren Brink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Velma is upset. Her two older sisters Freida and Fiona went to the same elementary school and were known for “cool” things, however, nobody even noticed Velma. Freida was known for being the best in choir, and Fiona was known best because she “ran like a devil” in gym class. Velma became discouraged. However, Velma started to start an interest in other things. She loved science, so when her class started learning about butterflies in science she would look up butterfly books in the library after school to learn more about them. When her class went to the butterfly conservatory she knew all the fun facts they were quizzed on and when they went inside with all of the butterflies one lands on Velma and she ended up taking it home with her. Velma became noticed for the girl with the butterfly on her hand. This is a great book for young kids because often times when we do have older siblings we feel like we need to follow in their footsteps when really it is okay to be your own person and excel in your own talents. I loved this book and hope to read it to my own classroom someday.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Velma Gratch is overshadowed by her two older sisters. When her class visits a butterfly conservatory, a monarch butterfly lands on her finger and refuses to move. After days of carrying a butterfly around, Velma is finally able to release the monarch butterfly to migrate to Mexico.

My second grade students have been learning about and hatching butterflies in class. They made a lot of connections to the text and enjoyed seeing Velma's own metamorphosis.

The perfect book for my class, but not a super book over all. The butterfly remaining on Velma's finger for so long is unrealistic and a bit out of place in an otherwise very realistic book. If your lower elementary students learn about butterflies, this is a great text to include in your collection.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audience: This book is for primary elementary students. Because of its information on the cycles of life of a butterfly, I think it closely relates to 1st through 3rd graders.

Appeal: I think this book would appeal to 1st through 3rd graders because it is about a young first grader who gets intrigued by butterflies. It goes through the process of caterpillars to butterflies that I think kids will enjoy.

Application: I would use this book for a science lesson. I would get the children some caterpillars for the class and we would actually watch the process of the hatching of cocoons and then releasing the butterflies. I would read the book first.

Award List: 2011 Golden Sower Nominee
Copyright 2007

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too long for the preschool crowd, but a fun story about being your own person with some butterfly facts thrown in for fun. Readers will relate to Velma and her desire to be noticed. If you suspend your disbelief, you will smile at the happy ending. Recommended. :)

[Diana Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute fun little book about self discovery and butterflies. I liked it.

[Monique the Book Geek]

I've always had a love for butterflies and would have loved this book as a kid!

[Taylor Galloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

First grader Velma Gratch had a hard time feeling like she belonged in first grade. She entered the first grade having to live up to her older sisters Frieda's and Fiona's legacy that they left behind. Teachers, coaches, and even the class guinea pig remembered Velma's sisters, but no one seemed to even remember Velma's name. Velma tried her hardest to be remembered, so she ran the slowest in gym, sang the loudest in choir, and did poorly in class. However, this did not work out in Velma's favor, and she was sent to the principal's office. The story moves along, and Velma's class takes a trip to the Butterfly Conservatory. Velma is excited because of her love of science and butterflies. At the Conservatory, a magical thing happened, and Velma's favorite type of butterfly landed on her finger and refused to leave. This butterfly stayed for days and days on end. Soon everyone knew Velma as the girl with the butterfly on her finger.

The illustrations found in this story are very intriguing, especially the double-page spread where Velma is illustrated close up with the monarch butterfly perched on her finger. In this illustration, readers can see Velma's wide-eyed expression as she shows interest and shock at the butterfly on her finger. Also, one can see the illustrator's use of texture in Velma's fluffy, almost curly hair. I also think the very last page of the story is important to point out the illustrator's use of white space. On the last page, readers see Velma and her sisters walking home, which is illustrated in the center of the page with a white background; this is different from the other pages with a background that goes with the illustration. I believe the author used white space to draw readers' attention to the illustration and emphasis what is going on in the image.

Overall, I would like to have this book in my classroom. This story would be great as a read-aloud or as part of a science lesson inside the classroom since it introduces readers to various types of butterflies and facts about them. Also, unintentionally being shadowed by your siblings is a topic many students can relate to. So, a discussion should be held in the classroom or at home.

[Sara Mangan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl named Velma who is the youngest of three sisters and wants to be noticed. She goes on a field trip for school and is able to learn about butterflies. She finally is noticed for something different than her sisters at the end of the story.

This book is a picture-book because it combines text and illustrations to tell a story.

Mentor writing traits.
1- Word choice. There are many descriptive words throughout the book. There are some words in the story that young readers may not know. The book gives the definition as part of the story and then Velma repeats the word so she can remember it. It does a great way to teach children the meaning of new words and how to remember new words.

2- Presentation- When Velma is trying to remember metamorphosis & conservatory she repeats them three times and the words are written in a half moon shape, above her head which makes the words more memorable to the readers. The inside covers of the book have drawings of butterflies and each butterfly is labeled with it's name. This is another good visual for children.

3- Idea- It teaches children that everyone is special in their own way. They just have to figure out what it is.

Classroom integration-This book could be used to help students learn new words. They could look for the meaning of the words in the text. This book could also be used with a science unit about butterflies. The book could be read to the students in younger grades. This book could also teach students about finding ways to be their own person and not having to be like their friends or siblings.

Reading level is 4.1.

[Baylie]

Velma is the youngest of three sister. Her sisters Frieda and Fiona have already gone through first grade and are remembered for doing great things. Velma however, was not being remembered in her first grade so she decides to try and make herself memorable by doing poorly in school activities, such as running the slowest. This gets her sent to the principles office. However, when they start to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly everything changes. Her sisters didn't even get to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly and learned about other things. Velma loved learning about butterflies and her class got to take a trip to the conservatory. While at the conservatory a monarch butterfly lands on her finger at will not fly off. It ends up living on her finger through all types of activities. The principle calls her into her office again and tells Velma she needs to get rid of the butterfly. So Velma goes to to the park and lets the butterfly migrate to Mexico with all the other monarch butterflies. She is remembered in the first grade by the girl with the butterfly.
The text of this book is a child's fiction picture book. The letter font stays the same throughout the book. There are some illustrations that are singled to one page but there are others that bleed through to both pages.
What I like about this book is that it is fun to read while also giving a little information about butterflies and the illustrations are really cute.
I could use this in a classroom when doing a science unit on the life cycle of a butterfly in a K-2 classroom. It would be a fun introductory book to a science lesson.

[Edward Sojuwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Velma Gratch is a girl character with a rockin vision that's ahead of its time. Her older sisters have already achieved popularity in the second and third grades, and now it's Velma's turn to get past first grade. Like most mini-rebels who are youngest sibs, Vel gets popular in school the opposite way of her sisters, getting sent to the principal three times whereas no Gratch has ever seen a principal's office once! Vel is successful in one area alone: science class, and the study of butterflies. She's even the expert of screwing up long words in ways that are profound and rockin. Vel learns that caterpillars become butterflies by virtue of metamorphosis, or in Velma Gratch translation: metal more so this!!! Hmmm, makes one hope she gets to locate and study in-depth the....Iron Butterfly in it's natural habitat, somewhere in the "Gadda Da Vida!" Okay, I'm ahead of myself. Back to the story: on a class trip, she and the other kids get to see some monarch butterflies, and one lands on Velma's finger....and will not leave!!! What happens after that, if you know butterflies and their birthing abilities, I think you can guess how it'll metamorphose Velma's life forever. Awesome story, and I'm already wishing they could come up with a Velma Gratch sequel!
Four stars
Butterflies are free to fly, thanks to rockin Velma Gratch!

[Jackie Perelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a first grader named Velma Scratch who is the youngest of three sisters. She is nervous for school because she does not like that everyone thinks so highly of her sister's and thinks she will be held to high expectations. She wants to be remembered just like her sisters so she acts out. In science, Velma's class was learning about butterflies. Her class took a trip to the conservatory to look at some, and when they were leaving one flew onto her finger and would not come off. She was allowed to leave with it. She took the butterfly with her as it would not leave her. She was called to the principals office a second time where the principal exclaimed that she had never seen anything like this and not Gratch sister had ever been sent to the office twice. Velma smiled as she realized this is what she would be remembered for.
This book incorporated many elements of fantasy. It shows a young girl going on a journey to prove herself. It also shows fantastic people in a real world. The world this book takes place in is very realistic but the fact that the butterfly would not leave Velma's hand for any reason was fantastic. So in a sense it is make believe, but it has very real attributes.

[Kalynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the cover, the illustrations, the story line, and the main character, Velma Gratch. It, too, was among the pile of books that I checked out for our first grade PBL project (see "Gotta Go! Gotta Go!") and to me, it was the star. The fan that I am of fictional science stories, loved how much information, vocabulary, and fascination was provided about the monarch butterfly. The fan that I am of stories about finding place and self/identity, loved how Velma was a relatable character for readers of all ages and for various hurdles. The hurdle most confronted is being the youngest and entering school where teachers already feel like they know you, or already have expectations, based on your siblings...however you are not them. But, forget how much I loved it, the really star story is how much the first graders loved this book. The first day I read it aloud...literacy love!

This is the type of picture book author I hope...and plan on being someday. :)

[Kaitlin Coppenger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Velma Gratch is a first grader who finds it challenging to be as memorable as her siblings. She tries everything to make herself more notable until her class starts learning about butterflies. Velma is extremely intrigued by all the different types of butterflies and while on a class field trip to a butterfly conservatory, a monarch butterfly lands on her and doesn't leave her for days. When the principal tells her that "that was way cool" she knew she finally made her mark.
This book shows that you can always make a name for yourself when you are truly yourself, not trying to follow in the footsteps of someone else.
I would use this book in a science lesson to introduce a butterfly unit while also incorporating a social emotional piece about finding something that you love instead of trying to be like someone else.

[Kaylin Chaudron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started out by using this book as a read aloud for 1st grade classes studying the story elements and ended up also using it with second graders studying fiction characters because it is such a versatile book. It worked perfectly, and every student had a way to relate with Velma. If I stopped for each kid wanting to share about their connection, it would’ve taken an hour to get through the story! Velma is adorable and definitely gets remembered in the end. The author did such an amazing job of developing her character from telling about her feelings, likes/dislikes, other characters point of view, rollercoaster of emotions, fun little quirks... You wouldn’t believe we learned so much about her in a picture book! My favorite part is the spread of Velma with the butterfly “perched on her pointer”. I truly loved this book and the character of Velma!

[Jennifer Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awards Received: None

Appropriate grade level(s): Kindergarten to Third Grade

Summary: Velma is the last sibling to enter first grade and she feels she will not live up to her sibling’s expectations. Velma starts to get into trouble because she is trying to stand out but then she finds her own way through butterflies.

My review: The message of being yourself and not comparing yourself to others is an important conversation to have with students. I loved how passionate Velma is about science and butterflies.

1-2 Possible in-class uses: There is a lot of vocabulary in this book and this is a good way to expose students to the vocabulary for the first time. Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly can be used to introduce life cycles as the classrooms next theme.

[Nicole Darrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Velma Gratch is the youngest of three sisters and doesn't feel special. Her older sisters are remembered by her teachers for her achievements and Velma feels she doesn't have something special to be remembered by. However, this changes when they go to a butterfly conservatory. Velma displays her butterfly knowledge and a monarch butterfly lands on her finger and doesn't leave for days! She brings it where butterflies were being let go so they could migrate and the butterfly flies away. Good brief introduction to the science of butterflies and for younger children feeling they don't stand out.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: contemporary realistic fiction
Grade range: kindergarten-2nd grade
Personal Review: This book was so cute! It's such a fun story! Velma Gratch is such a cute character, and the illustrations add to the story very well. I love the perspective of the story. It's from a third person point of view, and talks about Velma's older sisters as well as Velma. It is such a cute story of Velma and her new butterfly friend. It's such a sweet story that kids would love! And they could make lots of lessons out of it as well!

[Kaitlyn Furge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has many similarities to its star- a butterfly. It's full of detail, mesmerizing, enchanting, and moves quietly and delicately through an issue all children deal with - identity. If you like books that secretly teach kids vocabulary words, illustrations that feature hair that defies gravity, and sophisticated, well-chosen fonts that have been strategically laid out, get your hands on this book.

[Sierra Wishard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copyright: 2007

Genre: Science Fiction

Comment: Velma, a 1st grader, trying to find her own spotlight. Whoever would have thought it would happen when they went to a butterfly conservatory with a butterfly landing on her and doesn't let go. How will this change Velma?

Used: A great picture book to include into a butterfly or metamorphosis unit

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I feel like I'm too old for a children's book, I can relate to this while listening to Kyra Sedgwick read it.
✔️ making a mark for yourself in a new environment
✔️ it's the outliers in class that definitely bring attention to the teachers

It's purple in parts though:
"Pretzel-twisted smile"
"Slathered in trees"

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely picture book for butterfly and science lovers. Velma is the youngest of three sisters and she's following two older sisters who are known for doing great things at school.
Eventually, she also discovers her passion - it's science! And especially butterflies.
There are several very humorous moments in this story as well as funny illustrations.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly (Hardcover)
by Alan Madison
The sister who felt ignored by the world. Her sisters stood out for their talents. They both had different things happen in first grade. They learned new things in science, went on different feildtrips. But she was blessed by the most exciting events because she was different when blessed by a butterfly.