AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Cathryn Falwell/ Cathryn Falwell
PUBLISHER: Lee & Low Books PUBLICATION DATE: 2008
GENRE: Realistic fiction READING LEVEL: 4th grade
BRIEF OVERVIEW: In this story a young girl named Kiri who loved to draw,
paint, and make things received a gift from her grandma one day that had a book
that taught people how to make different shapes of origami. These shapes
included a turtle, a boat, and even a butterfly. Kiri then realized how folding
paper could make such wonderful things! She began to practice every day because
she wanted to make a butterfly. Kiri tried and tried again and again but kept
failing. Kiri continued to practice day after day and one day she saw a
butterfly in the park and that became her motivation. Kiri went home and tried
just once more to make an origami butterfly, and this time she did! Practice
makes perfect Kiri learned! She was happy she never gave up.
INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: The teacher will explain to the students that origami is a
common work of art found in the Japanese culture. The teacher then will give
each student a piece of origami paper and lead the students through the
directions given on the last page of the book. This involves 14 simple steps
that will lead students to create their own origami butterfly. Many pieces of
extra paper will be kept to hand out to students in case of errors made. This
will show students that if they have patience and practice they can master this
task. A certain amount of time will be given for students to make their
butterfly. The students who cannot finish will be given more time another day. Students
will then be asked to brainstorm parts of their own culture that describes
them. (artwork, language, celebrations ext.) A list will be made on the board.
REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Mary Anna Dozier, Valdosta State University
