Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Ben is a bear who loves butterflies, and he wants to grow some flowers that will attract them to his garden. As Ben's garden grows, the life cycle of the butterfly is explained in simple terms by Worm and Ladybird. This lift-the-flap picture book allows children to follow Ben's journey as he plants his seeds and watches them grow. By lifting the flaps, children can see what is happening under the ground and learn about the life cycle of butterflies in an interactive way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of flowers would you plant in a butterfly garden and why?
How do you think Ben felt when he saw the first butterfly in his garden?
What do you think makes a garden attractive to butterflies?
How can we help butterflies in our own backyard?
What did you learn about the life cycle of a butterfly from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their ideal butterfly garden and what they would include in it.
Discuss the emotions presented in the book, asking your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Relate the book’s themes to real life by planning a small butterfly-friendly plant pot or visiting a local garden together.
After reading, consider researching more about butterflies together, focusing on their habitats and roles in the ecosystem.
Use the illustrations in the book as a prompt, asking your child to draw their favorite scene and explain why they chose it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Ben takes on the task of planting and caring for a butterfly garden. Through the story, children see his dedication to the garden, ensuring the plants are watered and the area is maintained.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of completing tasks they start and taking care of their belongings or projects, mirroring Ben’s commitment to his garden.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: As Ben plants the butterfly garden, he learns that growth takes time. The story illustrates the waiting period for the flowers to bloom and for butterflies to arrive.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of patience and that some things, like nature, require time to show their full potential.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Through planting a butterfly garden, Ben learns about different plant species and how they attract butterflies. The book educates about the ecosystem in a simple, engaging way.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be conscious of their environment and promotes activities that support ecological balance, such as planting native species or creating habitats for wildlife.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Care for Living Things
Explanation: Ben shows concern for the butterflies and plants, nurturing them and providing a safe environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson imparts the importance of empathy by teaching children to care for and respect all living creatures, fostering a sense of stewardship towards nature.