Children's Corner: Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

 Velma is the youngest of three sisters and when starting first grade she wants to stand out and be remembered for something other than being the youngest Gratch girl.  She tries all the wrong things and get's herself noticed by the principal.  When she discovers what it is that she's good at, she finds her own niche without even realizing it and she discovers that sometimes getting noticed, even for the right reasons can be a challenge.

It's a sweet book about being yourself with a little lepidopterology thrown in ~Velma learns all about butterfly wings, migration, and metamorphosis.  It certainly is not a short picture book by any means, but it is very good.  Kevin Hawkes illustrations are lovely, alternating between full double-page and small scenes. Plus it encourages girls in science and self esteem and we could all use a little of that.