Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

Yes, this book will encourage the students to take ownership of their own learning and fosters the development of processes. The protagonist takes the initiative to further her own learning and the students will be able to take inspiration from this.

• Author: Alan Madison
• Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
• Year Published: 2012
• ISBN: 978-0307978042

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 3rd Grade

Summary

Velma Gratch is a young girl who wishes to be as marvelous as her older sisters while entering the first grade. Her life changes when she goes on a class field trip to butterfly conservatory. Velma transforms from a shy first grader to an enthusiastic scientist.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: High
• Accuracy: High
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Yes, this book will encourage the students to take ownership of their own learning and fosters the development of processes. The protagonist takes the initiative to further her own learning and the students will be able to take inspiration from this.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Yes, the students will be able to ask their own questions throughout the story. The children will be able to make predictions of the story and inferences from the plot.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, the instructor can provide many opportunities during reading this book aloud to encourage the students to make their own inferences and predictions from the plot.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes, the science topic is addressed in a way that is relatable to the age level of the students that this book will be read to.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Yes, the book contains content that is based on sound scientific principles and uses scientific terms regarding the topic.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes, the book distinguishes between fact and fiction; the students should be able to tell this difference and understand its value.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, the illustrations are clear and accurate; the illustrations of the various butterflies and other science elements are drawn beautifully. The book contains bright and vivid illustrations.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I believe that this book is most appropriate for students in pre-kindergarten to third grade.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

There is no multicultural component, but the story is free from stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is free from gender bias, the protagonist is a young female scientist.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

No, but the books has a strong emphasis on life science, particularly animal science.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

The book presents a positive attitude toward science and encourages students to experience that science for themselves and extend their own personal experiences even further.