Storytime & Artmaking: Already a Butterfly

Take inspiration from Julia Alvarez's book Already a Butterfly to create your own chrysalis habitat. (While this activity is inspired by a book, you do not need to read the book to do the activity.)

About the Book

With so much to do in so little time, Mari is constantly on the move, flitting from flower to flower, practicing her camouflage poses, and planning for migration. She’s the busiest butterfly around. But does being productive mean she is happy? Mari couldn’t say. The only way she feels like a butterfly is by acting like one. Little does Mari know, the secret to feeling like herself is simply to focus her breath, find her quiet place, and follow her instincts. With the guidance of a thoughtful flower bud, Mari soon learns to meditate and appreciate that she was a butterfly all along. View Select Pages

Getting Started

  • What are some things you do to make time for yourself or your family?
  • Who are some people who help you when you’re having a hard time?

Materials

  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
  • Optional: Fabric, paint, pattern paper, stickers

Artmaking Activity

1. Draw the shape of your chrysalis. Cut it out.

2. Draw the interior space of your chrysalis. Add drawings of people, places, and things that will help you transform! (Suggestions include books to keep learning, a ball to stay active, and new foods to try.)

3. Flip the chrysalis over and decorate the exterior. You can make patterns, use different colors, and even try different materials—get crafty!

Vocabulary

Chrysalis: a hard outer casing enclosing a caterpillar as it transforms into a butterfly

Interior: the inside of something

Exterior: the outside of something