Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly

Everyone knows and admires Velma's big sisters, which makes Velma feel like the biggest loser in first grade. She is not good at the things her sisters excel at, but Velma loves science--and she especially enjoys the lessons on butterflies. After she learns about their life cycle, she wants to remember the word "metamorphosis" so she repeats it over and over.

Velma's sisters think her fascination with butterflies is "way cool" (and I think her supportive, affectionate sisters are pretty cool themselves . . .love them!). They also are excited when Velma's class goes on a trip to a butterfly conservatory. There, a wondrous event takes place: a monarch butterfly lands on Velma's finger. The monarch won't let go, as Velma sleeps and plays and goes to class. What can Velma do? By the time she figures out how to help her butterfly migrate, Velma is far from being the forgettable little Gratch sister. She has come into her own.

Fascinating butterfly facts are explained simply, woven into this story of sibling rivalry. Colorful end papers display different types of butterflies. There's plenty of action plus adorable illustrations as Velma learns about a butterfly's metamorphosis--and experiences one herself, making VELMA GRATCH & THE WAY COOL BUTTERFLY a way cool triumph.