Butterflies for Grandpa Joe
What’s inside...
Grandpa Joe is butterfly bonkers. There's nothing he loves more than photographing the fluttering, colourful creatures in his garden. But since Ben's granny passed away, Grandpa Joe has changed. He doesn't want to go outside or talk or smile. It's like he's a completely different person and it feels as though Ben has lost his grandfather as well. A heart-warming tale of empathy, affection and dealing with grief across generations, from award-winning author Nicola Davies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Grandpa Joe felt when he saw the butterflies? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What changes did you notice in Grandpa Joe throughout the story? What do you think caused these changes?
Why do you think butterflies are important in the story? What do they symbolize for Grandpa Joe and Ben?
How did Ben help his grandpa feel better? Can you think of ways you can help someone feel better?
What did you learn about butterflies from this book? Why do you think they are special?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions in the story, helping your child connect with the characters’ feelings.
Pause at key moments to ask predictive questions like, 'What do you think will happen next?' to spark curiosity.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences, such as a time they helped someone or felt a strong connection to nature.
Discuss the symbolism of the butterflies and how they might represent change or hope in real life.
After reading, consider researching more about butterflies together to extend the learning and deepen your child’s interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the young protagonist, Ben, as he learns to understand and empathize with his Grandpa Joe’s sadness over losing his wife. Ben's efforts to cheer up his grandfather by bringing butterflies, which his grandmother loved, demonstrate deep empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to recognize emotions in others and find thoughtful ways to support friends and family members who are experiencing difficult times.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Ben does not give up easily. Despite initial setbacks while trying to rekindle Grandpa Joe’s interest in life, Ben remains persistent in finding ways to bring joy to his grandfather.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in facing challenges, whether in achieving personal goals or helping others.
Example Lesson: Connection with Nature
Explanation: The book highlights the role of nature in healing and happiness, through Ben’s initiative to attract butterflies to remind Grandpa Joe of his late wife. It emphasizes the soothing and rejuvenating power of natural elements.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and preserve nature, understanding its beneficial impacts on human emotions and life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Shared Memories
Explanation: Ben uses butterflies, which were beloved by his late grandmother, as a way to connect with Grandpa Joe, sharing cherished memories and creating new ones.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and share family stories and histories, strengthening bonds and offering comfort.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem Solving
Explanation: Ben’s unique approach to helping his grandfather showcases creativity in addressing emotional challenges, using his knowledge of his grandpa’s love for his wife and her love for butterflies to bridge their connection.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to think creatively when faced with problems, looking for unique and heartfelt solutions.