Written by Alan Madison
Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
(2007)
Velma begins first grade and tries to make herself as memorable as her two older sisters. In an effort to be noticed, Velma develops an interest in butterflies. This interest leads to an interesting problem.
Mini Lesson: Vocabulary
As the delightful main character learns about butterflies, she begins to collect interesting words. While reading this book with your students, have them listen for new and interesting words the main character uses when she learns something new about butterflies. Emphasis that readers can find new and interesting words in every books, including books about topics they are learning.
The inside of the front and back covers also provide wonderful content vocabulary for students. The inside of the front cover shows caterpillars, labeled with their names. The inside of the back cover contains butterflies, labeled with their names. This feature may spark an interest in scientific vocabulary or names of caterpillars and butterflies.
While reading the book, ask students if they can think of a time when they wanted to be noticed or were jealous of a sibling. Discuss how the students and Velma may have felt about being "overshadowed". The class can also brainstorm possible solutions to this problem. Students may also connect to having a specific interest, such as Velma has for butterflies. Discuss how interests may be different from the interests of others and how hobbies are an important part of who people are.
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