A CAGEFUL OF BUTTERFLIES
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Mponyane is deeply troubled as he realizes that no one in the village speaks to his family and that his friend Frank is in grave danger. Based on the life of a real person, author Lesley Beake delves into the challenges and struggles of living a life without communication with others.
Age
10-14
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered the butterflies? Can you relate to their feelings?
What do you think is the main message of the story, and why is it important?
How do the characters change throughout the book? What causes these changes?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Validate their opinions and share your perspectives to foster deeper understanding. Use the book’s themes, like teamwork and empathy, as a springboard to discuss their experiences and real-life applications. Lastly, enjoy the reading time together, making it a warm and shared family experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: A Cageful of Butterflies introduces children to a group of gifted children who are different from their peers, promoting empathy and understanding towards those who are different.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be kind and supportive to classmates or friends who might have unique needs or abilities.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story underscores the power and value of friendships, especially among the children in the institute, showing how they support each other.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value their friendships and work towards being a good friend in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: The characters in the book often face difficult situations, which teaches children about the importance of facing challenges bravely and with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by approaching their own challenges, such as difficult schoolwork or personal obstacles, with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Importance of Protecting Nature
Explanation: The story also touches on the theme of environmental conservation, as the mystery revolves around the butterfly garden.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take an active interest in environmental issues and participate in activities like recycling or conserving water.