I Wish I Were a Butterfly

by James Howe

Book Overview

The littlest cricket of Swampswallow Pond is convinced only by the Wise Old One that being special has nothing to do with physical metamorphosis, flashy colors, or shimmering wings. "The cricket is every child who stopped the music because someone criticized casually, thoughtlessly. It takes a wise friend to bring the music back."--School Library Journal

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152380132
• ISBN13: 9780152380137
• Release Date: February 1994
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 10.0" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

A must have!

As a future teacher, I am always looking for books that will be both enjoyable and educational. This is a great book for social studies concepts in younger grades (K-2) and excellent for elements of literature in older grades (3+). The message is one that children can never hear enough: You have gifts that should not be neglected!

WOW!

As a teacher, I can not tell you enough how fabulous this book is! It not only has beautiful illustrations it also has a beautiful message! I use this whenever I teach my butterfly unit, and this is always the kids favorite book that I read! Buy it - you will not regret it!

I Wish...

This is the story of a little cricket who comes to realize his true beauty after being helped by a wise old spider. The little cricket lives in Swampswallow Pond where most of the other crickets are happy spending their days fiddling. This little cricket is not happy. He has been told by the frog at the edge of the pond that he is ugly. He envies all the other creatures that live in Swampswallow Pond. The cricket questions several of the creatures about his beauty, but it isn't until he comes upon the wise old spider that he is able to find his own beauty. Follow Up: Ask students what they think about the story. Students will brainstorm ideas about wishes. Students can write about their own wishes and dreams.Make a class book. Students will write about some things they like about themselves. Draw a different student's name each day and have everyone write the student a letter telling them what they like about that person. Perform this story as a reader's theater.

Wonderful and inspiring!!

I am a senior in high school, and our English teacher shared this story with us, and had us to look for a deeper meaning. It is wonderful and inspiring. I want a copy so I can share it with my children one of these days.

It was an inspiration !

My son has 6 years old and he is starting to learn the best knowledge in life : to read. Every week he brings a book from his school's library and it is a very special moment for us when we sit together and I read for him. I really enjoy it but this last week was more than special because this book had an important message and it was an inspiration for both of us.