Betsy Buglove and the Brave Butterfly
Betsy Buglove Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Betsy Buglove is a young girl with a special talent for understanding and talking to insects. In this story, she meets a timid butterfly who is afraid to fly. Betsy helps the butterfly overcome its fears through kindness and encouragement, leading to a heartwarming adventure of bravery and friendship.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Betsy Buglove
Discussion points
What do you think made Betsy brave when she was helping the butterfly?
How do you think the butterfly felt when Betsy helped her? Can you think of a time you helped someone and how it made them feel?
What would you do if you were in Betsy's shoes and saw the butterfly in trouble?
Why is it important to be kind to smaller creatures? How can we show kindness to animals we meet?
What do you think is the most important lesson Betsy learned in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about butterflies and what they would do if they found one in need.
While reading the book, pause at key moments to ask your child how they think Betsy feels and why she might be making her choices.
Encourage your child to relate to Betsy by sharing a personal story of a time when they were brave or helped someone.
After reading, engage your child in a craft activity related to the book's themes, like drawing their favorite scene or creating a butterfly with paper and colors.
Use the book's themes to have a broader conversation about empathy and kindness towards both animals and people.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Betsy Buglove shows kindness to a scared butterfly, teaching children the importance of understanding other's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate and recognize emotions in others, helping them build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The butterfly overcomes its fear to explore the world, illustrating the value of bravery in the face of new experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's trying new activities or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Betsy takes care of the garden and its inhabitants, highlighting the importance of looking after the environment.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of caring for nature and promotes proactive behavior towards environmental conservation.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Betsy helps solve the butterfly's problem, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Instills in children the ability to think critically and solve problems they encounter, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks, the butterfly perseveres, demonstrating the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to keep trying and not give up easily, applicable in learning new skills or overcoming academic challenges.