Summary
Marisa's dad is leaving again with his military bag, boots and helmet. When she asks him why he has to go, he gives her a caterpillar to watch while he is gone. As her dad helps with relief work in a war-torn country, a little girl there receives refuge, medical attention, food and water through military efforts. A subtle comparison is made between the transforming work the military does and the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. Sophisticated readers will enjoy the details of the parallel stories.
Discussion Questions
What kinds of aid does the father offer as a soldier? (Protection, shelter, food, water, rebuilding.)Besides war, when does the military offer first response? (Natural disasters)What does Marisa come to understand about her father's role as a soldier?(That he is helping people, and Samira will have a better life because of his help. Just like the caterpillar will have a beautiful new life as a moth).Have you, or anyone you know ever needed emergency assistance?Have you ever helped anyone else who needed emergency assistance, or donated items to people in need?Project Ideas
Organize a caring event. Help students brainstorm ways that they can help others in need and decide on one course of action. One idea might be to donate small, gently used stuffed animals. Chck with local law enforcement or fire response to see what is needed. They sometimes carry these to calm young victims. Invite a National Guardsman to your classroom to talk about ways a soldier assists in emergencies.Class Gift. Encourage class to donate some spare change to purchase a copy of Hope Weavers. Have the students all sign the book with messages of hope. Give the book to a local Red Cross to pass on to an emergency victim. Bonus: have them donate copies of gently used books for disaster victims.Hope Weavers
Lesson Plans
A focus on the positive
work of the military.
Night Catch
A discussion about sacrifices of a military family.
Summary
In this short, lyrical book a soldier tells his son goodbye as he prepares to go to the other side of the world. He explains the special game of catch he has devised for them to play while he is gone. They will use the north star as thier ball and blow the star back and forth in their imaginations. The simple science behind this story is relatable to very young children, but the message of connection speaks to all ages. 
Discussion Questions
Do you love someone who lives far away from you? (Students will want to share their experiences)
A sacrifice is giving up something important for a good reason. What sacrifice does the family in this story make. (Their time together so the dad can be a soldier).
Why does the father make this sacrifice? (Student will have many ideas. The main point should be brought back to service to country, protection and freedom).
Depending on the students' age and experiences, they may bring up the sacrifice a soldier and his or her family make when the soldier dies in the line of duty. Be prepared to manage this topic.
Science Connection Learn about the Big Dipper and the North Star
Project Idea
Have the class adopt a soldier to write to. Put a picture of the soldier in the picture frame in the back of the book. If the soldier is from your community, send encouraging notes to his or her family. Invite the soldier to visit when he or she returns home.
