The Impossible Butterfly (Zenda 5)
#5 in Zen Series
on Goodreads (135)
What’s inside...
Zenda's return to school in the fall brings interesting challenges--a new girl named Willow who seems to be stealing all of Zenda's friends, and a caterpillar that she must care for until it turns into a butterfly. As Zenda struggles with her feelings of jealousy and the responsibility of caring for the butterfly, she must decide whether to seek help from Willow, who is friendly, sweet, smart, and instantly popular.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the butterfly 'impossible' and how does it overcome its challenges?
How do the other characters in the story react to the butterfly's journey? What does it teach us about support and friendship?
If you were in the story, how would you help the butterfly achieve its goal?
What did you learn about resilience and perseverance from the butterfly’s story?
How did the ending of the story make you feel, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to empathize with the butterfly by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Highlight the theme of perseverance by discussing any personal experiences where your child had to keep trying to succeed.
Draw parallels between the butterfly's journey and real-life challenges to help your child connect the story to their own world.
Use expressive reading to capture exciting or challenging moments in the story, enhancing emotional connection to the narrative.
After reading, ask your child to draw or describe their own 'impossible' creature, discussing the traits that would help it overcome challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Impossible Butterfly', Zenda, encounters numerous obstacles while trying to transform into a butterfly. Despite these struggles, she remains determined and continues to push forward.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether it be completing a difficult school project or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Zenda's journey is unique compared to other characters in the story, which initially makes her feel out of place. Eventually, she learns to embrace her differences as her strengths.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate what makes them different and to take pride in their individual traits and abilities.
Example Lesson: The value of supportive friendships
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Zenda is supported by friends who believe in her, providing encouragement when she needs it the most.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and how to be a good friend to others in need.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: Zenda faces her fears head-on, especially when the transformation process frightens her.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a team, speaking in class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Importance of patience
Explanation: Zenda learns that some things cannot be rushed and that patience is required, particularly noticeable during her slow transformation process.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that some goals or tasks require time and patience, teaching them to delay gratification and remain patient for long-term rewards.