Storytime: Little Bear and the Butterflies
QED Storytime Series
What’s inside...
'What was your favourite game when you were little?' Little Bear asks Mummy Bear. When she tells her it was chasing butterflies in Bluebell Meadow, Little Bear is intrigued, but it's time for her nap. When a butterfly lands on her nose, she sets out to find Bluebell Meadow with the help of her animal friends. Chasing the butterflies and making daisy chains is so much fun she completely forgets the time! Mummy Bear’s favorite game when she was little was chasing butterflies in Bluebell Meadow. Now Little Bear can’t wait to find this magical place for herself, but it’s time for her nap. When a butterfly lands on her nose, she sets out to find Bluebell Meadow with the help of her animal friends. Chasing the butterflies and making daisy chains is so much fun she completely forgets the time! 'I wish I could stay here forever,' she yawns, when a soft voice tells her to wake up. Could it all have been a dream? A gentle story about a little bear and the power of dreams, with a magical twist at the end. Beautifully illustrated, Little Bear and the Butterflies introduces young children to the pleasures of reading and sharing stories. Discussion points for parents and teachers are also included.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Little Bear was so determined to catch a butterfly?
How do you think Little Bear felt when she finally saw the butterflies? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What do the butterflies teach Little Bear about patience and friendship?
If you were in the story, what advice would you give to Little Bear about making friends?
How do you think the story would change if Little Bear decided to look for a different animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and varying tones when discussing different characters and their emotions to help your child connect with them.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in the story before turning the page, fostering their imagination and anticipation skills.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This activity helps children process what they've read and express it creatively.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, such as a time they had to wait for something special, to help them connect personally with the story.
Discuss the importance of friendship and patience, as exhibited by the butterflies, to impart valuable life lessons in an accessible manner.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: In the story, Little Bear is curious about finding a butterfly and explores the meadow to fulfill this wish. Her journey highlights the joys of discovery through curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the world around them, ask questions, and learn from their surroundings, nurturing a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Little Bear does not give up despite her initial failures to catch a butterfly. Her persistence is rewarded when she finally sees a beautiful butterfly.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and trying again even when things seem difficult, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The story's vivid descriptions of the meadow and interactions with various animals highlight the beauty of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect nature, understanding the importance of environmental conservation from an early age.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Sharing
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Little Bear is accompanied by her friend Squirrel, emphasizing the role of friendship and cooperative play.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of sharing experiences and collaborating with others, enhancing social skills and empathy.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Moments
Explanation: Little Bear finds happiness not in catching a butterfly, but in the simple pleasure of the journey and the company of a friend.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to find joy in simple moments and the journey itself, not just the outcome, promoting mindfulness and contentment.