Intermediate Novel Analysis: A Butterfly Is Patient
October 22, 2024 October 24, 2024
Grades 2-5 Elementary Book Review
“A Butterfly Is Patient” by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long, is a beautifully crafted children’s book that combines poetic prose with stunning illustrations to explore the enchanting world of butterflies. This book is part of the acclaimed series by Aston and Long, which includes other titles such as “An Egg Is Quiet” and “A Seed Is Sleepy.”

Plot Summary
While not a traditional narrative, “A Butterfly Is Patient” takes readers on a journey through the life cycle of butterflies, from their beginnings as eggs to their metamorphosis into caterpillars and finally into adult butterflies. Each page is dedicated to a specific aspect of butterfly life, such as their diversity, adaptability, and the various roles they play in the ecosystem. The book provides a wealth of factual information in an engaging and accessible manner, making it both educational and enjoyable.
Main Ideas
- Nature and Science: The book provides a detailed look into the natural world, offering scientific facts about butterflies in a way that is easy for children to understand. It covers topics like the different stages of a butterfly’s life cycle, their various species, and their ecological importance.
- Patience and Transformation: One of the central ideas of the book is the idea of patience, reflected in the title itself. The slow and steady transformation of a butterfly from an egg to a fully grown adult serves as a metaphor for growth and change, teaching children the value of patience and perseverance.
Illustrations
Sylvia Long’s illustrations are a standout feature of the book. Her detailed watercolor artwork vividly brings to life the various stages of a butterfly’s development and the diverse species. The illustrations not only enhance the educational content but also captivate young readers, making the learning experience both informative and delightful.
Writing Style
Dianna Hutts Aston’s writing is both informative and poetic. She uses a gentle, lyrical style to convey scientific facts, making the information accessible and engaging for young readers. The language is simple yet evocative, effectively conveying the majesty and mystery of butterflies.
Educational Value
“A Butterfly Is Patient” is an excellent educational resource for young children. It introduces basic biological concepts and encourages curiosity about the natural world. The book can be used in various educational settings, from classrooms to homeschooling, and is suitable for children of various ages. It also includes a glossary of butterfly terms, adding to its educational value.
Conclusion
“A Butterfly Is Patient” is a beautifully written and illustrated book that combines science and art to create a rich and engaging reading experience. Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long have crafted a work that not only educates but also inspires a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
Text Complexity Map
Author: Dianna Hutts Aston Illustrator: Sylvia Long
Publisher: Chronicle Books Publication Date: 2011 Pages: 40
Genre: Children’s Literature, Non-Fiction
Text Description | Recommended Grade Levels |
A Butterfly is Patient is an illustrated informational text that describes the many characteristics of butterflies. Through a poetic narrative, students are introduced to the world of butterflies and exposed to many fun and interesting facts. | Grades 2-5 |
Quantitative Measures of the Text: 810L | |
Range: AD1040L (AD-Adult Directed) | Associated Band Level: Text is associated with the higher end of the 2-3 band and the lower end of the 4-5 band. 2-3 Band – 420L-820L 4-5 Band – 740L-1010L |
Qualitative Measures of the Text |
Levels of Meaning/Purpose: Moderately Complex (More than one level of meaning with levels clearly distinguished from each other; theme is clear but may be conveyed with some subtlety) Explicit: The book provides clear, factual information about butterflies’ life cycle, characteristics, and behaviors.Implicit: Themes of patience, transformation, and the beauty of nature are subtly woven through the text. |
Structure: Moderately Complex Organization: The book is structured around different aspects of a butterfly’s life, with each page focusing on a specific trait or stage in the life cycle. Graphics: Rich, detailed illustrations support the text and enhance comprehension. Features: Includes a glossary and additional informational text that aids understanding. Language Clarity and Conventionality: Moderately Complex The book incorporates hand-painted illustrations, and has very few traditional text features. While numerous content-specific vocabulary words are included, the book embeds definitions into the text. Vocabulary: Uses both common and scientific terms. Some advanced vocabulary is introduced but explained through context and illustrations. Sentence Structure: A mix of simple and complex sentences, often written in a poetic, lyrical style that is engaging for young readers. |
Structure: Moderately Complex Organization: The book is structured around different aspects of a butterfly’s life, with each page focusing on a specific trait or stage in the life cycle. Graphics: Rich, detailed illustrations support the text and enhance comprehension. Features: Includes a glossary and additional informational text that aids understanding. Language Clarity and Conventionality: Moderately Complex The book incorporates hand-painted illustrations and has very few traditional text features. While numerous content-specific vocabulary words are included, the book embeds definitions into the text. Vocabulary: Uses both common and scientific terms. Some advanced vocabulary is introduced but explained through context and illustrations. Sentence Structure: A mix of simple and complex sentences, often written in a poetic, lyrical style that is engaging for young readers. |
Reader and Task Considerations |
Interest Level: Likely to engage young readers who have an interest in nature, animals, and science. The poetic language and beautiful illustrations also appeal to artistic and creative sensibilities. Purpose for Reading: This can be used for pleasure, as part of a science unit on insects or life cycles, or to introduce themes of patience and transformation. Comprehension Questions: These can range from basic recall of facts to more complex questions about themes and connections to real-life experiences. Age and Developmental Level: Best suited for early elementary students, though younger children might enjoy the illustrations and basic concepts with guidance. Reading Proficiency: While the text is accessible, readers with higher proficiency can explore deeper meanings and more complex scientific concepts. |
Overall Complexity |
“A Butterfly Is Patient” offers a rich, multifaceted reading experience that combines factual content with poetic language and stunning illustrations. It is accessible to early elementary students but contains layers of complexity that make it suitable for a wide range of ages and reading levels. |
Mentor Text Teaching Points
Reading Skills:
- Main Idea: Each section has a main idea with supporting details.
- Personification: Attributing human qualities to butterflies
- Metaphor: Comparing butterfly characteristics to relatable concepts
- Repetition: Reinforcing key ideas through structural repetition
Writing Skills:
- Using repetition: Why do writers use repetition?
- Adjectives: use of specific, vivid adjectives to describe
- Main Idea/Key Details: Each description is expanded with supporting details.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Author shows patience through the butterfly’s life cycle
- Visual-Textual Connections: Practice writing text that connects to images
Language, Grammar & Conventions:
- Adjectives: use of specific, vivid adjectives to describe
Vocabulary:
- Metamorphosis
- Chrysalis
- Proboscis
- Pollinator
- Iridescent
- Magnificent
- Diapause
Mentor Sentence:
“With wings that unfold like petals in the sun, a butterfly begins its colorful life.”
Sentence Structure Analysis:
- Complex sentence with introductory phrase
- Simile comparison (wings unfold like petals)
- Action verb (begins)
- Descriptive adjective (colorful)
Teaching Points:
- Literary Devices
- Simile: comparison using “like”
- Imagery: visual description
- Sentence Components
- Introductory phrase: “With wings that unfold like petals in the sun”
- Main clause: “a butterfly begins its colorful life”
Check out our other teaching literacy book recommendations for elementary and middle school.