The Butterfly Alphabet – Picture Book Activities

The Butterfly Alphabet is a lovely book that highlights God’s creativity in just one part of our world. Kjell B. Sandved spent decades traveling the world with the singular goal of finding each letter of the alphabet in the wings of a butterfly or moth. This book is the collection of the entire alphabet.

The Butterfly Alphabet 

In “A Note To Readers” at the beginning, he writes:

Since ancient times, calligraphers have depicted the alphabet in many different ways. But no one had ever found all the letters as written by nature’s own hand. One day many years ago, as I was looking through a microscope at a tropical moth, to my surprise I noticed a tiny, perfect letter F hidden on the wing. I was astounded and wondered if I could find other letters. Perhaps I could even find the entire alphabet in the wings of butterflies and moths! I decided that I was going to be the first to try.

Seeking and photographing the letters became my hobby and joy. Little did I imagine that it would take more than twenty-five years and visits to more than thirty countries to discover all the letters of the alphabet.

You’ll have to read the book to learn more of his travel and methods. 

There is a two-page spread for each letter that includes a full-page close-up of the letter on the wing. The other page includes a photo of the full butterfly, a short verse, and the name of the butterfly.

At the end of the book, there is an informational page about butterflies and moths. Also included are the details about each butterfly in the book and where he photographed it.

I’ve owned The Butterfly Alphabet for a long time and highly recommend tracking down a copy. 

Homeschooling Ideas

Geography – Using this blank world map, mark where each letter of the alphabet was photographed. (This information is included at the end of the book.)

Science – Use the Venn Diagram to note the similarities and differences between butterflies and moths. 

Writing – Research a particular butterfly or moth featured in the book. Write a short biography of the creature (using this or this). If you prefer, write a story or report (using this or this).

Handwriting & Copywork – Learn fascinating facts about butterflies while practicing handwriting with Butterfly Copywork – Print and Cursive. 

Morning Basket – Learn something new about butterflies every day during your morning basket time with the Butterfly Fun Fact Cards. 

Poetry – Read and discuss “To A Butterfly” by William Wordsworth.

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