A Butterfly Without Wings
What’s inside...
A Butterfly Without Wings tells the story of a gutsy caterpillar who, after spotting a green leaf atop a tree, hatches a clever plan to outwit predators and reach his goal. The caterpillar's journey is a testament to self-confidence and determination, showing that with belief in oneself, anything is achievable. Filled with witty dialogue, humor, and perfect pacing, award-winning author David M. F. Powers, alongside artist Natalia's vibrant illustrations, brings to life a story that began as a bedtime tale for his children and has grown into a beloved narrative celebrating self-assurance. The innocence of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar with a touch of attitude. 'Are you talking to me? Are you talking to me? I'm not a caterpillar. I'm a butterfly without wings.' When a caterpillar spots a green leaf waving from the top of a tree, he does not think twice about the dangers lurking about. Instead, he comes up with a plan to trick those who would otherwise eat him. A Butterfly Without Wings is the charming story of a hungry, self-confident, and determined caterpillar that refuses to let obstacles stop him from reaching for his goal. The caterpillar proves that if you believe in yourself and set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. With snappy dialogue, humor, and perfect pacing, award-winning author David M. F. Powers captures the spirit of determination and self-confidence. Powers' spirited text is perfectly paired with artist Natalia's colorful and very lively artwork. Parents and their children will love reading and re-reading this celebration of self confidence.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the butterfly felt without its wings? Can you relate to a time you felt something was missing?
What does the butterfly's journey teach us about overcoming challenges?
How did the other characters in the book help the butterfly? What does this say about the importance of friendship and support?
If you were to help the butterfly, what would you have done differently?
What do you think is the message of the story, and why is it important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive gestures and voices for different characters to make the reading session interactive and lively.
Pause at critical moments in the story to allow your child to absorb the emotions and significance of the events.
Relate the butterfly’s experiences to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to draw or act out parts of the story, fostering a deeper connection and comprehension of the themes.
After reading, ask your child to imagine an alternate ending, which encourages creative thinking and perspective-taking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story demonstrates resilience as the main character, a butterfly without wings, learns to navigate the world despite its challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, teaching them to face difficulties with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The butterfly learns to embrace its uniqueness, inspiring readers to accept themselves as they are.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their individuality and fosters self-esteem, helping them to feel confident in who they are.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The interactions between the butterfly and other characters showcase the power of understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be considerate and empathetic towards others, fostering stronger relationships and a kinder community.
Example Lesson: Innovation
Explanation: The butterfly improvises and uses different methods to adapt, embodying innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson motivates children to think creatively in problem-solving and adapting to their environment.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The support from friends plays a crucial role in helping the butterfly overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: It exemplifies the value of supportive relationships, teaching children the importance of helping and being there for others.