Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar



Last updated Monday, April 4, 2016

Author: Rick DeDonato
Illustrator: Tracy Bishop
Date of Publication: 2015
ISBN: 1477826300
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2016

Synopsis: Pipsie loves everything wild—from dragonflies to oceans to tall, tall trees. She also loves solving mysteries. That’s why she’s a nature detective! When she and her turtle, Alfred, notice that their new friend, Frannie the caterpillar, has vanished, Pipsie is on the case. She grabs her magnifying glass, goes to her tree-house headquarters, and begins to search for clues. It’s time to make this mystery history!

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Why is she looking at the leaf?
•  Why do you think there are bite marks on the leaf?
•  How would a caterpillar disappear?
•  What is a nature detective?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What happened to Frannie? How big did Frannie grow?
•  Where was Frannie while Pipsie and Alfred were looking for her?
•  What happened after nine days of watching the chrysalis?
•  Would you want to be a nature detective?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a list of fun facts about caterpillars and draw pictures to illustrate some of the butterflies or draw the life cycle of butterflies.
•  Make cut-out wings and glue onto craft stick
•  Check out our April craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/april-2016-animal-crafts/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!