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The Butterfly
Since the Tall Boots--the Nazis--have marched into Monique's small French village, terrorizing it, nothing surprises her. Until the night Monique encounters "the little ghost" sitting at the end of her bed. When she turns out to be--not a ghost at all--but a young girl named Sevrine, who has been hiding from the Nazis in Monique's own basement, how could Monique not be surprised! Playing upstairs after dark, the two become friends until, in a terrifying moment, they are discovered, sending both of their families into a nighttime flight.
In the tradition of Pink and Say, Patricia Polacco once again dips into her own family's history to reveal her Aunt Monique's true story of friendship from the French Resistance.
In the tradition of Pink and Say, Patricia Polacco once again dips into her own family's history to reveal her Aunt Monique's true story of friendship from the French Resistance.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2000
31 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Polacco
96 books1,067 followersPatricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
December 28, 2009
This is the perfect book with which to introduce young children to the Nazi holocaust. It’s upsetting (even the cat looks sad and afraid) but while the book makes clear that the Nazis are out to kill Jewish citizens and some horrible things do happen, what’s shown is at the level that’s appropriate for children.
This story is close to non-fiction , most likely historical fiction, about this author’s great aunt and aunt, a French gentile woman and her young daughter, the great aunt working with the resistance who hides Jewish people in her cellar to try to keep them safe. One of them is a young girl and her parents. The Jewish girl and the author’s aunt were about the same age and they find each other and play with each other. Then, something happens and the family has to flee to another hiding place until the war is over.
The illustrations are wonderful, and capture so well how the people (and the cat) are feeling. There’s great beauty in them, which helps mute the horror the story reveals.
I could have done without all the butterflies. The first two were okay but the group of butterflies that shows up toward the end of the book was a bit much for me. If the book had ended right there, I wouldn’t have enjoyed that. Luckily, there’s an author’s note at the end, and the reader gets to find out what happens to all the characters/people in the book. Reading about the note from the Jewish girl, to which she’s put the cat’s paw print, touched me deeply. It always amazes me how people can behave in morally repugnant ways and also as stalwart, brave, and inspirational. The author’s ancestors definitely deserve 5 stars.
Kids will be ready for this book before books such as Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
This story is close to non-fiction , most likely historical fiction, about this author’s great aunt and aunt, a French gentile woman and her young daughter, the great aunt working with the resistance who hides Jewish people in her cellar to try to keep them safe. One of them is a young girl and her parents. The Jewish girl and the author’s aunt were about the same age and they find each other and play with each other. Then, something happens and the family has to flee to another hiding place until the war is over.
The illustrations are wonderful, and capture so well how the people (and the cat) are feeling. There’s great beauty in them, which helps mute the horror the story reveals.
I could have done without all the butterflies. The first two were okay but the group of butterflies that shows up toward the end of the book was a bit much for me. If the book had ended right there, I wouldn’t have enjoyed that. Luckily, there’s an author’s note at the end, and the reader gets to find out what happens to all the characters/people in the book. Reading about the note from the Jewish girl, to which she’s put the cat’s paw print, touched me deeply. It always amazes me how people can behave in morally repugnant ways and also as stalwart, brave, and inspirational. The author’s ancestors definitely deserve 5 stars.
Kids will be ready for this book before books such as Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
November 21, 2008
This story of brave resistance is set in Nazi occupied Paris
during WWII. It is based on the true story of Marcel Solliage and her daughter, Monique, who hid Jews in their cellar and later helped them escape when their discovery was imminent. The characters are well developed and and the exquisite illustrations add an ethereal mood to the harsh reality of the plot. This would be a fine introduction and an eloquent approach to building schema for intermediate students who may read Number the Stars, which also features righteous citizens who risk thei lives to save the oppressed.
during WWII. It is based on the true story of Marcel Solliage and her daughter, Monique, who hid Jews in their cellar and later helped them escape when their discovery was imminent. The characters are well developed and and the exquisite illustrations add an ethereal mood to the harsh reality of the plot. This would be a fine introduction and an eloquent approach to building schema for intermediate students who may read Number the Stars, which also features righteous citizens who risk thei lives to save the oppressed.
November 5, 2022
Here's a touching and moving story about a brave girl and her mother who help a Jewish family hide from the Nazis.
I'm really coming to love Polacco's books. She has a wonderful way of presenting deep and meaningful topics to children.
Ages: 6 - 10
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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I'm really coming to love Polacco's books. She has a wonderful way of presenting deep and meaningful topics to children.
Ages: 6 - 10
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
February 10, 2020
Late one night, Monique awakens to find a ghost sitting at the foot of her bed, petting her cat, Pinouff. Believing herself to be incapable of surprise, since the occupation of her country and village by the Nazis, the young French girl is nevertheless much struck by the sad visage of her mysterious visitor. The discovery that Sevrine is no ghost, but a Jewish girl being hidden, together with her parents, in Monique's own basement, leads to the formation of a secret nighttime friendship between them. But when they are seen by a neighbor, and Sevrine and her family must be moved on to a new safe-house, both girls know that that they may never meet again...
Like so many of Patricia Polacco's books, The Butterfly is based upon the real-life experiences of the author's family, in this case, her Aunt Monique Boisseau Gaw, and Monique's mother, Marcel Sollilage, a member of the French Resistance during World War II. With so many fascinating branches on the family tree, I'm more interested than ever in the author's biographical background, and came away from this picture-book with a desire to know more, particularly about Marcel. The narrative hints that she hid a number of Jews from the Nazis. Who were the others, and was her work ever recognized? What about Sevrine? The afterword mentions that she survives (her parents do not), finding her way to England, and eventually to Israel. I would have loved to learn more about her journey, and about her lifelong friendship with Monique.
Leaving that aside, I thought that The Butterfly was a moving portrait of the horrors of war, as seen by a young girl, and found myself choking up - as I so frequently do, with Polacco's books - while reading it. Monique's innocence, in thinking that she is inured to shock, struck me as a very realistic (and poignant) example of the coping tactics a young child would use, when confronted with terrible realities. This is definitely a title I would recommend, to parents and teachers looking for books to introduce the difficult topics of WWII and the Holocaust to young readers.
Like so many of Patricia Polacco's books, The Butterfly is based upon the real-life experiences of the author's family, in this case, her Aunt Monique Boisseau Gaw, and Monique's mother, Marcel Sollilage, a member of the French Resistance during World War II. With so many fascinating branches on the family tree, I'm more interested than ever in the author's biographical background, and came away from this picture-book with a desire to know more, particularly about Marcel. The narrative hints that she hid a number of Jews from the Nazis. Who were the others, and was her work ever recognized? What about Sevrine? The afterword mentions that she survives (her parents do not), finding her way to England, and eventually to Israel. I would have loved to learn more about her journey, and about her lifelong friendship with Monique.
Leaving that aside, I thought that The Butterfly was a moving portrait of the horrors of war, as seen by a young girl, and found myself choking up - as I so frequently do, with Polacco's books - while reading it. Monique's innocence, in thinking that she is inured to shock, struck me as a very realistic (and poignant) example of the coping tactics a young child would use, when confronted with terrible realities. This is definitely a title I would recommend, to parents and teachers looking for books to introduce the difficult topics of WWII and the Holocaust to young readers.
October 24, 2009
Polacco has an uncanny way of facing sophisticated themes head-on and succeeding in finding a child-like simplicity in them. It's this ability of hers that draws her readers into the core of big issues instead of allowing them to get caught up in politics and other trivialities that merely skim the surface. One thing I like about this work in particular is the literary quality of it; it's very subtle. Polacco does a splendid job of reaching kids with the message by fixing big moral ideas around something very familiar to them: friendship. I read this to my third grade class and we not only had intriguing conversations about Nazi occupation in Europe, but conversations from a writer's point of view. The kids shared thoughts like, "The butterflies still fly in the sky even though the Nazi killed one..." or "Maybe if people still have hope they win instead of the bad guys." Witnessing young children take hold of moral issues and deep convictions is truly breath-taking. Thanks again, Ms. Polacco.
February 16, 2018
This is such a touching story and the fact that it is based on a true story makes it all the more wonderful. We've been reading Patricia Polacco's books for two years now and we are always on the hunt for one that we haven't read yet.
Her books are usually a top choice for one of our bedtime stories and more often than not, I find myself in tears or choking back the tears. Such is the case with this book.
The story is heartbreaking, but hopeful; haunting, but also filled with joy and wonder. It is not an easy tale to tell and it is certainly not for younger children, but I think, as Lisa mentions in her review, it's a good introduction to the Holocaust.
The horrors of the Nazi's is fully conveyed, without the graphic tales of death and violence. The shock of having a much-loved neighbor, friend, and shopkeeper taken away by the Nazi soldiers is bluntly told, as is the ever-present fear of being arrested or worse. But the story is told with sensitivity and ends on a joyous note.
The author's note at the end explains the factual basis to the tale and the sad truth of the fate of Severine's parents. It is an interesting addition to the story and I was glad to learn of the connection to Ms. Polacco's own family. Overall, this is a terrific tale and we really enjoyed reading it together.
Her books are usually a top choice for one of our bedtime stories and more often than not, I find myself in tears or choking back the tears. Such is the case with this book.
The story is heartbreaking, but hopeful; haunting, but also filled with joy and wonder. It is not an easy tale to tell and it is certainly not for younger children, but I think, as Lisa mentions in her review, it's a good introduction to the Holocaust.
The horrors of the Nazi's is fully conveyed, without the graphic tales of death and violence. The shock of having a much-loved neighbor, friend, and shopkeeper taken away by the Nazi soldiers is bluntly told, as is the ever-present fear of being arrested or worse. But the story is told with sensitivity and ends on a joyous note.
The author's note at the end explains the factual basis to the tale and the sad truth of the fate of Severine's parents. It is an interesting addition to the story and I was glad to learn of the connection to Ms. Polacco's own family. Overall, this is a terrific tale and we really enjoyed reading it together.
December 9, 2016
I grabbed this book to read to my eight-year old grandson, but alas, there'd be too much 'back story' to explain to him. His grasp of history and past events isn't quite there yet, but when it is...
It's sad, yet elegant, and there are survivors. This story comes from real events that the author's family lived through.
So when he's a little older, this is one we're reading together.
It's sad, yet elegant, and there are survivors. This story comes from real events that the author's family lived through.
So when he's a little older, this is one we're reading together.
March 6, 2010
The Butterfly is intended for children ages 4-8.
I feel that because there is an overwhelming amount of text on the page for the intended audience, this picture book would be better suited for older readers in third through fifth grade. It could also be utilized as a read-aloud for a younger audience. This text would serve well to introduce students to the harboring of Jewish people during the Nazi occupation, particularly in France.
If I had to pinpoint why I disliked this text, I think it was that although the true story that the text was based on moved me, the actual picture book failed to do so. I didn't feel the sense of urgency and fear as I read. I felt detached and distanced from the characters and the events. Possibly, if the text had been more simplistic and straightforward, I would have appreciated it more.
I feel that because there is an overwhelming amount of text on the page for the intended audience, this picture book would be better suited for older readers in third through fifth grade. It could also be utilized as a read-aloud for a younger audience. This text would serve well to introduce students to the harboring of Jewish people during the Nazi occupation, particularly in France.
If I had to pinpoint why I disliked this text, I think it was that although the true story that the text was based on moved me, the actual picture book failed to do so. I didn't feel the sense of urgency and fear as I read. I felt detached and distanced from the characters and the events. Possibly, if the text had been more simplistic and straightforward, I would have appreciated it more.
November 1, 2009
Summary-
This picture book was written for older readers, probably students in grades 3-6. The Butterfly begins as a young girl, Monique, wakes up and notices a young ghost-like girl sitting in her window. This girl is holding her cat and Monique realizes that it isn't a dream, but the girl is truly in her room. Monique gets out of bed and begins talking to the young girl who claims she lives inside Monique's house. Monique is appalled and says, "But I live here!" The young girl, Sevrine, goes on to invite Monique down to her own cellar and explains that she and her family are Jewish and I are hiding from the Nazis. Monique's mother had been hiding them and other families down there during the war. In the weeks to follow, Sevrine and Monique meet up at night to play together. One night, though, they look out the window and see a neighbor staring back at them. Now that Sevrine was seen, her family is not safe. Monique and her mom have to take Sevrine to a new home and Sevrine's parents need to escape as well and meet up with Sevrine in safety. After passing Sevrine off, Monique somehow gets separated from her mother. Luckily they both end up home safely. The next summer, Monique still thinks of Sevrine often and wonders how she is doing. When spring comes and butterflies fill her yard, she gets a sense that Sevrine is alive and okay, as if the butterflies were a sign sent from Sevrine.
Response-
This heartfelt picture book is actually based on a true story of Patricia Polacco's great aunt and daughter who were part of the French Underground while the Nazis occupied France. The history is included in an author's note at the end of the book. This author's note actually explains what happened to Sevrine and her parents.
I found the actual story between Sevrine, Monique, and their families to be inspiring and intriguing - much like the Diary of Anne Frank, but I thought the butterfly symbolism was a little overdone and unnecessary.
The illustrations are done with ink and watercolor and beautifully capture the character's emotions and the color draws your eye towards the harsh colors of the Nazi flags and symbols. This is a wonderful picture book that would be a wonderful introduction to the hiding and protection of Jews during the Holocaust. It would be a great companion text to the Diary of Anne Frank.
This picture book was written for older readers, probably students in grades 3-6. The Butterfly begins as a young girl, Monique, wakes up and notices a young ghost-like girl sitting in her window. This girl is holding her cat and Monique realizes that it isn't a dream, but the girl is truly in her room. Monique gets out of bed and begins talking to the young girl who claims she lives inside Monique's house. Monique is appalled and says, "But I live here!" The young girl, Sevrine, goes on to invite Monique down to her own cellar and explains that she and her family are Jewish and I are hiding from the Nazis. Monique's mother had been hiding them and other families down there during the war. In the weeks to follow, Sevrine and Monique meet up at night to play together. One night, though, they look out the window and see a neighbor staring back at them. Now that Sevrine was seen, her family is not safe. Monique and her mom have to take Sevrine to a new home and Sevrine's parents need to escape as well and meet up with Sevrine in safety. After passing Sevrine off, Monique somehow gets separated from her mother. Luckily they both end up home safely. The next summer, Monique still thinks of Sevrine often and wonders how she is doing. When spring comes and butterflies fill her yard, she gets a sense that Sevrine is alive and okay, as if the butterflies were a sign sent from Sevrine.
Response-
This heartfelt picture book is actually based on a true story of Patricia Polacco's great aunt and daughter who were part of the French Underground while the Nazis occupied France. The history is included in an author's note at the end of the book. This author's note actually explains what happened to Sevrine and her parents.
I found the actual story between Sevrine, Monique, and their families to be inspiring and intriguing - much like the Diary of Anne Frank, but I thought the butterfly symbolism was a little overdone and unnecessary.
The illustrations are done with ink and watercolor and beautifully capture the character's emotions and the color draws your eye towards the harsh colors of the Nazi flags and symbols. This is a wonderful picture book that would be a wonderful introduction to the hiding and protection of Jews during the Holocaust. It would be a great companion text to the Diary of Anne Frank.
November 7, 2009
Recommeded for ages 6-12
From Kirkus Reviews
During the Nazi occupation of France, Monique discovers that a young Jewish girl named Serine has been hidden in her cellar. It is a surprise to Monique that her mother and father have been sheltering the family, but she does not let on that she knows. The girls visit and play together in the evening when the rest of the household is asleep. They laughed and giggled, and told each other their dreams. Although frightened by the presence of Nazi soldiers in her village, their friendship grows, and Monique brings gifts to Serine from the outside world: rich soil, a bright flower, and finally a real wonder, a butterfly. A neighbor catches a glimpse of Serine, and the family must flee. This is another one of Polacco's (Thank You Mr. Falker, 1998) family stories based on real events and retold in a dramatic picture book for older readers. The strikingly detailed marker and pencil illustrations bring forth the fear, deprivation, and small joys of the time. The richness of the illustrations from the blue-patterned teacups to the gallery of dog portraits that adorn a staircase evokes a strong sense of time and place. Polacco uses a palette of pinks and pastels that are quickly overshadowed by grays, black, and red to evoke Monique's growing realizations of the oppression, danger, and darkness of the moment. A strong contrast comes at the end when hope returns in the form of dozens of bright orange-and-black butterflies. Polacco's choice of monarchs to depict the butterflies emphasizes the miraculous nature of this occurrence because, although these butterflies are abundant in North America, they are rarely sighted in Europe. A portrait of friendship, courage, and hope. (author's note) (Picture book. 6-10)
This book is another reminder of the excellent author that is Patricia Polacco. I was immediately drawn in to the story on the first page and was completely engaged in the story of Monique and Serine. It seems rare that an author, in a picture book, is able to draw in a reader in such a short amount of time. The characters are strong and the setting is incredibly real. Love love.
From Kirkus Reviews
During the Nazi occupation of France, Monique discovers that a young Jewish girl named Serine has been hidden in her cellar. It is a surprise to Monique that her mother and father have been sheltering the family, but she does not let on that she knows. The girls visit and play together in the evening when the rest of the household is asleep. They laughed and giggled, and told each other their dreams. Although frightened by the presence of Nazi soldiers in her village, their friendship grows, and Monique brings gifts to Serine from the outside world: rich soil, a bright flower, and finally a real wonder, a butterfly. A neighbor catches a glimpse of Serine, and the family must flee. This is another one of Polacco's (Thank You Mr. Falker, 1998) family stories based on real events and retold in a dramatic picture book for older readers. The strikingly detailed marker and pencil illustrations bring forth the fear, deprivation, and small joys of the time. The richness of the illustrations from the blue-patterned teacups to the gallery of dog portraits that adorn a staircase evokes a strong sense of time and place. Polacco uses a palette of pinks and pastels that are quickly overshadowed by grays, black, and red to evoke Monique's growing realizations of the oppression, danger, and darkness of the moment. A strong contrast comes at the end when hope returns in the form of dozens of bright orange-and-black butterflies. Polacco's choice of monarchs to depict the butterflies emphasizes the miraculous nature of this occurrence because, although these butterflies are abundant in North America, they are rarely sighted in Europe. A portrait of friendship, courage, and hope. (author's note) (Picture book. 6-10)
This book is another reminder of the excellent author that is Patricia Polacco. I was immediately drawn in to the story on the first page and was completely engaged in the story of Monique and Serine. It seems rare that an author, in a picture book, is able to draw in a reader in such a short amount of time. The characters are strong and the setting is incredibly real. Love love.
March 7, 2010
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001 ; Children's Literature; United States
Lasting Connections, 2000 ; American Library Association; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2001 ; International Reading Association; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2000 ; Cahners; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2001 ; International Reading Association; United States
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2001 Nonfiction United States
Grade levels 2nd-5th
During the Nazi occupation of her small French village, Monique discovers that the little “ghost” she's seen in her room is really Sevrine, a Jewish girl being hidden with her family by Monique’s mother. Polacco based this emotionally told and elegantly illustrated book on a story from her family.
"This story came from my Aunt Monique’s amazing life. Our family had always heard bits and pieces of Monique’s life growing up in France during the war, but as she was sharing this particular story with me I knew it needed to be told. This is a story of courage and ever lasting friendship. I was amazed as Monique spoke of Sevrine...I had known that she was still Monique’s friend, but had not realized how they had met during the war." Patricia Polacco
This is a wonderful book to use in conjunction with a unit on WWII, the Nazis, or the Holocaust. It accurately portrays how life changed for people during this time period. Fear, prejudice, courage, bravery, friendship, and war are all themes to discuss in this story.
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2001 ; Children's Literature; United States
Lasting Connections, 2000 ; American Library Association; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 2001 ; International Reading Association; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001 ; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2000 ; Cahners; United States
Teachers' Choices, 2001 ; International Reading Association; United States
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 2001 Nonfiction United States
Grade levels 2nd-5th
During the Nazi occupation of her small French village, Monique discovers that the little “ghost” she's seen in her room is really Sevrine, a Jewish girl being hidden with her family by Monique’s mother. Polacco based this emotionally told and elegantly illustrated book on a story from her family.
"This story came from my Aunt Monique’s amazing life. Our family had always heard bits and pieces of Monique’s life growing up in France during the war, but as she was sharing this particular story with me I knew it needed to be told. This is a story of courage and ever lasting friendship. I was amazed as Monique spoke of Sevrine...I had known that she was still Monique’s friend, but had not realized how they had met during the war." Patricia Polacco
This is a wonderful book to use in conjunction with a unit on WWII, the Nazis, or the Holocaust. It accurately portrays how life changed for people during this time period. Fear, prejudice, courage, bravery, friendship, and war are all themes to discuss in this story.
April 19, 2012
Monique's French village has changed ever since the "tall boots" (Nazi soldiers) arrived. She witnesses the soldiers being violent with a beloved neighbor, Monsieur Marks, and is very distraught of how is treated. That is not Monique's only encounter with the "tall boots". One day she is out playing in her garden and spots a beautiful butterfly, a group of soldiers march towards her and one of them reaches down and grabs the butterfly---squeezing it until it dies. This is how Monique learns that the "tall boots" do more than just hurt Jews, they kill them.
One night, she awakes in the night and sees a "ghost" girl sitting at the end of her bed. In the morning she tells her mother, but she hushes her and shoos her off to school. It turns out that her mother is part of a resistance and is helping to hide Jewish families in their basement until the war and Nazi evasion has ended. The "ghost" girl is, Servine, she befriends Monique and they meet up in the middle of the night for tea parties and to be secret friends. One night a neighbor sees the girls together and Servine and her family must relocate to somewhere safer. The events that follow are even more heart-wrenching.
Polacco shares at the end of the book that Monique is her aunt and Monique's mother, Marcel was in fact a part of the French underground and resistance organized by General Charles de Gualle. Marcel helped many Jewish families. Servine survived the war and her and Monique remained friends. Unfortunately, Servine's parents did not survive the war. The illustrations do a nice job of depicting the tone of the scenes. The butterfly serves as a symbol of hope and the characters are brighter when a butterfly is present on the page.
Great book, brought tears to my eyes, but it doesn't compare to how these young girls felt as they were living these events...
One night, she awakes in the night and sees a "ghost" girl sitting at the end of her bed. In the morning she tells her mother, but she hushes her and shoos her off to school. It turns out that her mother is part of a resistance and is helping to hide Jewish families in their basement until the war and Nazi evasion has ended. The "ghost" girl is, Servine, she befriends Monique and they meet up in the middle of the night for tea parties and to be secret friends. One night a neighbor sees the girls together and Servine and her family must relocate to somewhere safer. The events that follow are even more heart-wrenching.
Polacco shares at the end of the book that Monique is her aunt and Monique's mother, Marcel was in fact a part of the French underground and resistance organized by General Charles de Gualle. Marcel helped many Jewish families. Servine survived the war and her and Monique remained friends. Unfortunately, Servine's parents did not survive the war. The illustrations do a nice job of depicting the tone of the scenes. The butterfly serves as a symbol of hope and the characters are brighter when a butterfly is present on the page.
Great book, brought tears to my eyes, but it doesn't compare to how these young girls felt as they were living these events...
November 5, 2009
In The Butterfly, by Patrica Polacco, readers are transported back to World War II. They will meet a young French girl named Monique who is horrified and extremely confused by the treatment of Jews by the Nazis. One evening, Monique awakens to see a “ghost” girl in her bedroom. When she approaches her mother, she is told that she must have dreamt the little girl. Monique comes to find out that the girl, Sevrine, is a young Jewish girl who is hiding from the Nazis with her family in Monique’s basement. Monique and Sevrine quickly become friends, having secret playdates in the middle of the night when their parents are asleep. Monique brings Sevrine things from the outside world each night, so she can experience the things that she remembers from playing outside. One night, they girls set a butterfly free as a symbol for the freedom that Sevrine so desperately desires. Sevrine and her family must flee the safety of the house because that night, a neighbor spotted the girls in the window. Sevrine and Monique are separated, but their friendship lives on.
I very much enjoyed this picture book about the Holocaust. I thought that Polocco did a fantastic job of authentically depicting France during the time of the Holocaust. She used French words and phrases throughout the book, referred to the Star of David and discussed the hiding of Jewish people. What I especially liked about this story is that it had a happy ending. The Holocaust is a very intense subject to introduce to young students. While it is important to give them an authentic depiction of the realities that went on during this time period, I feel that they do not need to know the details of the horrors that people experienced.
I very much enjoyed this picture book about the Holocaust. I thought that Polocco did a fantastic job of authentically depicting France during the time of the Holocaust. She used French words and phrases throughout the book, referred to the Star of David and discussed the hiding of Jewish people. What I especially liked about this story is that it had a happy ending. The Holocaust is a very intense subject to introduce to young students. While it is important to give them an authentic depiction of the realities that went on during this time period, I feel that they do not need to know the details of the horrors that people experienced.
October 31, 2010
What a sad but wonderful book! It is sad because it reminds me of what went on years ago to Jewish families but it is wonderfully written to show what happened in a beautiful way...does that make any sense?? This book is about a young girl who discovers a Jewish family her mother has been hiding from the nazis in their basement during the French Resistance. It is a story about their friendship and their being discovered and then having to flee the safe basement. This is a very touching story that gets the point across about life in France at that time for all people, not just Jewish families. I think this book touched me the most because my grand-mother-in-law lived in France at the time and was Jewish. She and my Father-in-law fled and somehow made it out safe. Grandma Tritch does not ever talk about it to me (it is sort of a forbidden thing to ask about) but i know that the memories cause her a lot of pain. This book would lend itself well to History and any type of talk about the French Resistance and fairness and kindness of society at the time. The thing i liked best about this story is that it is based on a true story and the 2 charaters are still friends to this day! What a sad but uplifting story!
June 24, 2017
In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a young girl, Monique, discovers that her mother is hiding a Jewish family in the basement of their home, and she becomes friends with the girl, Sevrine. When a neighbor sees the girls playing together, both families must flee in the dead of night for fear of apprehension by Nazi soldiers.
Based on a true event from Polacco’s family history, the consequence of hatred and the plight for personal freedom are themes in the story. Butterflies are used symbolically to represent freedom; a Nazi solider crushes a butterfly, but in the end, butterflies provide Monique with reassurance that Sevrine’s family is safe.
As teenagers, my grandmother and grandfather on my mother’s side lived through World War II in Europe, experiencing the horror of Nazi occupation and cruelty. Even as both have passed away now, my mom has shared with me the stories her parents told of the time period. A detail my grandmother always mentioned when speaking of the Nazi was their tall, black boots, and in this story, that is the identifying characteristic of the Nazi soldiers for Monique. That part rang so true for me.
The Butterfly is a good WWII historical fiction choice for upper elementary grades.
Based on a true event from Polacco’s family history, the consequence of hatred and the plight for personal freedom are themes in the story. Butterflies are used symbolically to represent freedom; a Nazi solider crushes a butterfly, but in the end, butterflies provide Monique with reassurance that Sevrine’s family is safe.
As teenagers, my grandmother and grandfather on my mother’s side lived through World War II in Europe, experiencing the horror of Nazi occupation and cruelty. Even as both have passed away now, my mom has shared with me the stories her parents told of the time period. A detail my grandmother always mentioned when speaking of the Nazi was their tall, black boots, and in this story, that is the identifying characteristic of the Nazi soldiers for Monique. That part rang so true for me.
The Butterfly is a good WWII historical fiction choice for upper elementary grades.
March 7, 2017
Polacco has done it again. (At this point, it does not surprise me at all when I find her books to be touching, beautifully written and evocative. I'd only be surprised if I read a book by her that I strongly disliked.)
This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of two young girls. One night, Monique thinks she sees a ghost in her bedroom. She later learns that it is a young Jewish girl named Sevrine. Monique's mother has been hiding Sevrine and her parents in a hidden area of their basement. Sevrine and Monique become friends and Monique begins to understand the danger that the Nazis pose. When a neighbor spots both girls in Monique's bedroom one evening, Sevrine's family must flee. I tend to use words like "beautiful", "touching", and "heartwarming" when I describe Polacco's tales based on her family's stories. These adjectives don't truly do justice to the depth of emotion expressed in this, and many other, of Polacco's tales. I wish that I were better equipped to explain the effect these books have on me as I read the. Since I can't, I will simply say: "Read this book!"
This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of two young girls. One night, Monique thinks she sees a ghost in her bedroom. She later learns that it is a young Jewish girl named Sevrine. Monique's mother has been hiding Sevrine and her parents in a hidden area of their basement. Sevrine and Monique become friends and Monique begins to understand the danger that the Nazis pose. When a neighbor spots both girls in Monique's bedroom one evening, Sevrine's family must flee. I tend to use words like "beautiful", "touching", and "heartwarming" when I describe Polacco's tales based on her family's stories. These adjectives don't truly do justice to the depth of emotion expressed in this, and many other, of Polacco's tales. I wish that I were better equipped to explain the effect these books have on me as I read the. Since I can't, I will simply say: "Read this book!"
August 26, 2016
For some reason when I first read this book when I was younger, it instantly became one of my favorites. Even though I didn't really know much about the Nazis at that time, I could still appreciate the beauty of this story. The pictures are gorgeous and I was drawn in by the beautiful butterfly and the suspenseful events that take place. The story tells of a little French girls experience during World War 2. One of the things that I love about this story now that I am older, is that it doesn't really sugar coat what actually happened. The girl describes the time as hopeless, and describes moments of pure fear as the "tall boots" walk by her. I believe that it really is an accurate portrayal of the mood of the time, and would be a great way to teach kids the history of World War 2 and the Nazis.
January 15, 2016
I love reading with my kids and I especially love it when I get the chance to read with my older kids because I don't get that many opportunities to do that as they get older. My son is studying the holocaust and I brought this book home to read with him for simple additional information and an easy book for him to relate to for his age. We both enjoyed it and found ourselves in tears at the end. He liked reading a fictional story about what he is studying and as always I loved reading with him. He liked the illustrations and found them very interesting. I personally love Polacco's books and own most of them. These are great books to share with older children (7-8+) as they are somewhat long and have more mature themes, such as this book. I highly recommend The Butterfly and all of this author's works! 5 stars!
September 25, 2011
When the Nazis occupy Monique's village in France, her mother hides a Jewish family in their basement. Monique becomes friends with the little Jewish girl.
I think every parent should read this book to their elementary aged children so they can understand what happened in this time period and how important it is to protect the rights of all people.
I do fear that parents/teachers wish to shield their children from the truth when it is harsh. I think we need to keep in mind that if we don't remember our past, we are doomed to repeat it.
The illustrations are powerful:
I think every parent should read this book to their elementary aged children so they can understand what happened in this time period and how important it is to protect the rights of all people.
I do fear that parents/teachers wish to shield their children from the truth when it is harsh. I think we need to keep in mind that if we don't remember our past, we are doomed to repeat it.
The illustrations are powerful:
February 21, 2012
This book is a good way to introduce the topic of WWII and the Jewish Holocaust to younger students. Although the story is sad from an adult standpoint, it is also informative for young children about the way of life some people lived during this time. What I like most is that this book is Historical Fiction and does have true events and people. Marcel Solliage really was part of the French resistance and was able to assist many different families in their escapes. Servine was able to make it safely to England and sent a letter back to Monique and Marcel confirming that she lived. I appreciate the story behind the one written and the quality of the historical actions it offers.
December 1, 2016
Summary: Polacco uses her own family's experiences in this book like she does with many of her books. Monique is a young girl who figures out her mother has been hiding a Jewish family in their house. Sevrine, the daughter of the family that is hiding and Monique become very close. One day a neighbor sees Monique and Sevrine playing and that forces Sevrine and her family to flee. Sevrine writes a letter to Monique and draws a butterfly to let her know she is the only survivor left from her family.
Potential Problems: None
Classroom: This book could be used to teach about this time in history.
Potential Problems: None
Classroom: This book could be used to teach about this time in history.
October 22, 2014
This book is a story about how some nice French people hid the Jewish in their basements and risked their own life as well as their families. This story is a true story about the author. It was well written and gives a good glimpse into how people lived during the Holocaust. At the end of the story there is an author notes which gives a little more detail about the two girls in the story.
A must read, excellent story and history all wrapped into one!
A must read, excellent story and history all wrapped into one!
September 4, 2011
Wow! This was a GREAT BOOK. An amazing, touching WWII story about a girl who doesn't realize that her mother is hiding Jews in their home until she sees the little girl in her room one night. They become friends and then circumstances force them apart. I was caught off guard and cried... I could hardly keep reading the story... it was sad, poignant, and also very inspirational.
November 25, 2013
Very moving, suspenseful story based on the author's great-aunt, who sheltered Jews in France during WWII. Although it is a picture book, I think it would be best shared with older students studying Anne Frank.
January 30, 2019
If the Nazis came into my village I would be really scared. But the character Sevrine in the book “The Butterfly” by Patricia Polacco wasn’t scared at all. Throughout the book, Sevrine is brave by living in Monique’s basement while the Nazis are in her village. Sevrine showed bravery when she comes out of the basement and she’s not afraid that she would be caught.
Another time she was courageous was that even though she was being tracked down by the Nazis, she was brave and showed Monique where she and her family hid and she didn't care that she showed Monique even if Monique might tell the Nazis. Sevrine also isn't scared that Monique’s mom knows because Sevrine says “Oh… Madame Solliliage? She knows! We aren't the only ones she has helped!”This quote shows that Sevrine trusted Monique’s mom and wasn’t afraid of staying in her house.
You can now see that the character Sevrine in the book “The Butterfly” shows bravery and trust. She shows this by trusting Monique’s family and being brave when she was being tracked down by the Nazis. Would you be brave when you were being tracked down by the Nazis? What about trusting people?
Another time she was courageous was that even though she was being tracked down by the Nazis, she was brave and showed Monique where she and her family hid and she didn't care that she showed Monique even if Monique might tell the Nazis. Sevrine also isn't scared that Monique’s mom knows because Sevrine says “Oh… Madame Solliliage? She knows! We aren't the only ones she has helped!”This quote shows that Sevrine trusted Monique’s mom and wasn’t afraid of staying in her house.
You can now see that the character Sevrine in the book “The Butterfly” shows bravery and trust. She shows this by trusting Monique’s family and being brave when she was being tracked down by the Nazis. Would you be brave when you were being tracked down by the Nazis? What about trusting people?
March 9, 2022
Based on the author's aunt's experience of the French resistance during World War 2 this beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect for children aged 10+ who are learning about this period in history. The personal nature of the story makes it all the more poignant and the fact that it is told from a child's perspective will help young readers connect more deeper with the text, allowing them to easily imagine how they might feel in a similar situation. An essential addition to any senior primary classroom library!
July 28, 2021
In a small French village, during the war against the Nazis, Monique unexpectedly learns there is a Jewish family hiding in her house, and, when the family is accidentally revealed to a neighbor, plans must be made to move them to safety.
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July 13, 2019The author has some really fascinating real-life connections to this story. I loved reading the author's note and learning that this book was based on real people in Polacco's family!
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December 5, 20161. The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco is about a young girl named Monique who sees a figure in her room at night that she thinks is a ghost. The following morning, Monique tells her mother about the ghost but her mother insists that Monique was having a dream. Monique went off to school and saw many Nazi soldiers around the town. She saw Monsieur Marks, the candy shop owner, get tackled to the ground for being Jewish. She went home upset and her mother explained to her that the Nazi soldiers hated people like Monsieur Marks. Many days later when Monique was in her room, she saw the "ghost" again. This time Monique communicated with the ghost and she discovered that this was not a dream and it was not a ghost but it was a little girl named Sevrine who lived inside her home. Monique's mother hides people like Sevrine in her home to protect them from the Nazi soldiers who harm people with different religious beliefs, but Monique's mother keeps this a secret from Monique. Monique continues to keep her knowledge of Sevrine as a secret but continues to play games and talk to her at night until Monique's neighbor, Monsieur Lendormy, spotted them in the window. This caused them to tell Marcelle and Marcelle, Monique, Sevrine, and her family all had to leave the home. They walked a long way in the dark until there was a getaway car for Sevrine and her family to flee the town. Monique gives Sevrine the cat that she loved dearly as Sevrine gives Monique a gold chain with the Star of David on it so that they can remember one another. Sevrine and her family left in the car as Monique and Marcelle went on a train to head back home. Unfortunately they were separated on the train and were reunited when they arrived home as they both continued to wonder if Sevrine and her family found a new place to safely live. A week later, many butterflies were inside their garden and Monique said that this was a sign that Sevrine and her family were safe.
2. I enjoyed this book because it told a beautiful story about a woman named Marcelle Solliliage who hid Jewish families from Nazi soldiers. This book provided factual information about some ways people had to hide Jewish families during this time period, which was also written in a way that would be engaging for upper elementary students to listen to during a read aloud experience. I highly recommend this book for all readers because the author did a wonderful job presenting historical information while also combining it in a well crafted way.
3. I would connect this book to Erika's Story by Ruth Vander Zee, Anne Frank by Josephine Poole, and Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco. Erika's Story and Anne Frank are wonderful books to connect to The Butterfly because they both describe events that occurred during the Holocaust, which is the time when Nazi soldiers discriminated against Jewish families. Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco is also a good book for children to make connections to because it was also written by Patricia Polacco and it describes an unlikely friendship that develops between two boys like the unlikely friendship that developed between Monique and Sevrine regardless of any racial or religious differences.
4. "'Regarde, Monique, look!' Her mother pointed at the bleak sky above them. A butterfly fluttered down into the garden. And another. And another. They both watched as butterflies started to land on the dry stalks of faded flowers. First there were three, then ten, then twenty and thirty. Neighbors came out of their cottages and peered over the wall in wonder. 'It's a sign, Maman, a miracle! Sevrine sent them, I know it! She and her parents are safe!'"
This would be a perfect mentor text to use to teach children how to write by using symbolism. Patricia Polacco used the butterfly as a symbolism to show that one day the Holocaust will end while also showing that Sevrine and her family found a safe place that they are living with freedom. Students can learn that they can use symbolism in their own writing to enhance their stories in a similar way that Patricia Polacco did in this story.
This book shows the social justice issue of religious identities. Sevrine and many Jewish families are treated poorly for their religious beliefs by the Nazi soldiers. This book will show children that this treatment is unfair and that they can be friends with all types of people regardless of any religious differences.
2. I enjoyed this book because it told a beautiful story about a woman named Marcelle Solliliage who hid Jewish families from Nazi soldiers. This book provided factual information about some ways people had to hide Jewish families during this time period, which was also written in a way that would be engaging for upper elementary students to listen to during a read aloud experience. I highly recommend this book for all readers because the author did a wonderful job presenting historical information while also combining it in a well crafted way.
3. I would connect this book to Erika's Story by Ruth Vander Zee, Anne Frank by Josephine Poole, and Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco. Erika's Story and Anne Frank are wonderful books to connect to The Butterfly because they both describe events that occurred during the Holocaust, which is the time when Nazi soldiers discriminated against Jewish families. Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco is also a good book for children to make connections to because it was also written by Patricia Polacco and it describes an unlikely friendship that develops between two boys like the unlikely friendship that developed between Monique and Sevrine regardless of any racial or religious differences.
4. "'Regarde, Monique, look!' Her mother pointed at the bleak sky above them. A butterfly fluttered down into the garden. And another. And another. They both watched as butterflies started to land on the dry stalks of faded flowers. First there were three, then ten, then twenty and thirty. Neighbors came out of their cottages and peered over the wall in wonder. 'It's a sign, Maman, a miracle! Sevrine sent them, I know it! She and her parents are safe!'"
This would be a perfect mentor text to use to teach children how to write by using symbolism. Patricia Polacco used the butterfly as a symbolism to show that one day the Holocaust will end while also showing that Sevrine and her family found a safe place that they are living with freedom. Students can learn that they can use symbolism in their own writing to enhance their stories in a similar way that Patricia Polacco did in this story.
This book shows the social justice issue of religious identities. Sevrine and many Jewish families are treated poorly for their religious beliefs by the Nazi soldiers. This book will show children that this treatment is unfair and that they can be friends with all types of people regardless of any religious differences.
February 27, 2010
The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco is a story that takes place in the WWII era. In Monique’s small French village Choisy-le Roi, just outside of Paris, Nazi troops have moved in. While tragic events occur, Monique, about seven to eight years old, is blissfully innocent of all the happenings that encompasses this terrible time period in Europe. One night, Monique wakes in the middle of the night, to see a ghost. Monique tells her mother of the ghost the next morning at breakfast, but Marcelle Solliliage in angered at this statement. A woman that is usually kind hearted and not easily riled, seems unusually upset at this, and tells Monique it was “only a dream.” Monique goes about the next few days quite normally, almost forgetting about the ghost. The terrible war rages on, and most families, despite their religious backgrounds, live in a constant state of fear. The Nazis seem to be terrorizing the town, taking men, women, and children from their homes; the streets are not a safe place. Many nights pass, and Monique awakens again to her ghost. But, this time, Monique successfully interacts with the girl ghost. As it turns out, the ghost is actually not a paranormal being at all, but a girl close to Monique’s own age, named Servine! Surprised, Monique presses further and comes to find out, that the girl is Jewish and must hide during the day, the only time she can come out is at night. Servine shockingly reveals that her home is actually quite close; it’s in the cellar below Monique’s day room. Servine pulls back a rug and takes Monique down to her secret home; a home Monique never even knew existed. Servine has been living in this hidden lair with her family for years, protected by none other than Monique’s own mother. Monique feels a stab of betrayal. How could her mother hide such a big secret from her? Despite these feelings, Monique knows the importance of keeping her new friend a secret, and does not mention a word of her new found knowledge to her mother. Each night, Monique brings Servine something small and precious from the outside world; allowing her to enjoy some of the fruits of life she is missing. Monique brings a live butterfly to Servine, allowing the butterfly to flutter its wings on her cheek, “a kiss of an angel.” The girls make a wish that, Servine, her family, and others living in secret, can be as free as the butterfly. But that night, a neighbor spies the two girls playing, and the clock is ticking to get Servine and her family to another safe hide-out. Finally, the truth is exposed between the mother and daughter. Together, they find a place for Servine and her family to hide in safety from the Nazi forces.
Polacco has such a talent for taking such intense emotional and controversial realities, and turning them into beautiful picture books that tell a story and teach a bit of history. What I found most interesting is the Author’s Note at the back of the book. This told the story behind The Butterfly, which is based on real events and people. Marcelle was part of the underground French resistance, who shielded many Jews from persecution against Nazi forces. While the characters are based on real people, much of this story is fictionalized. Yet, Polacco has an ability to create so much depth in them, as well as with other story elements like setting and plot. The Butterfly contains wonderful symbolism and themes that are great for intermediate readers studying wars, conflict, history, or WWII concepts. The Butterfly would be a sensational extension of this unit, and would undoubtedly supplement learning with this “real life” connection to facts and history. I am never truly mesmerized by Polacco’s illustrations, her color scheme, movement, and shape of setting and characters are not my personal favorites. Yet, her illustrations truly capture emotions, and allow the reader to feel the reality of the story. I’ve always been very interested in WWII and the Holocaust. The Butterfly was an authentic portrayal of historical events, yet tells a compassionate story of risk-taking to help others in a time of crisis.
Polacco has such a talent for taking such intense emotional and controversial realities, and turning them into beautiful picture books that tell a story and teach a bit of history. What I found most interesting is the Author’s Note at the back of the book. This told the story behind The Butterfly, which is based on real events and people. Marcelle was part of the underground French resistance, who shielded many Jews from persecution against Nazi forces. While the characters are based on real people, much of this story is fictionalized. Yet, Polacco has an ability to create so much depth in them, as well as with other story elements like setting and plot. The Butterfly contains wonderful symbolism and themes that are great for intermediate readers studying wars, conflict, history, or WWII concepts. The Butterfly would be a sensational extension of this unit, and would undoubtedly supplement learning with this “real life” connection to facts and history. I am never truly mesmerized by Polacco’s illustrations, her color scheme, movement, and shape of setting and characters are not my personal favorites. Yet, her illustrations truly capture emotions, and allow the reader to feel the reality of the story. I’ve always been very interested in WWII and the Holocaust. The Butterfly was an authentic portrayal of historical events, yet tells a compassionate story of risk-taking to help others in a time of crisis.
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