Butterflies have long been known to be symbols synonymous of transformation, hope, faith and rebirth, as they, like us, go through so many cycles of life. From their earliest beginnings as larva, to the caterpillar that enters the chrysalis stage, emerging finally into a beautiful, graceful butterfly. In essence, through the periods of darkness and uncertainty in our lives, there is always light. This light can also appear to us in many earthly forms, as gentle assurances and reminders, especially from those above us that we loved but lost at some point in our lives that their presence has never left our side.
Quite like the experiences of many of you during this past year dealing with the pandemic and how things changed our lives, our family too, and those of many of my loved ones, has had it's unfortunate fair share of periods of darkness and uncertainty. It was during these times that I learned how all together it is easy for one to succumb to the shadows, and started to neglect the things that once brought me great joy and fulfillment, which include writing for you all. Somehow through it all, I found a new inner strength that helped me to find all those signs of light and hope, like those that butterflies bring to us, lifting me out of the shadows to see the sunshine in life once again. So, it is no wonder that my first entry back for you all is of an powerful picture book that shares these very same lessons with your little ones in a thoughtful, yet simple way they will be able to understand.
Little Butterfly is a beautifully illustrated, wordless picture book from Laura Logan, An engaging, yet profound tale of a young girl, whose simple act of kindness leads her into a magical journey through the wonders that nature brings to us all. As our tale begins, a little girl arrives back home after a day at school. As she walks to her home, she is unbeknownst to her, followed by a lovely lithe monarch butterfly. She greets her pet cat, and begins to play with him, when the cat manages to capture the butterfly in its claws. The little girl is able to release the butterfly from her cats clutches, only to notice a tear in it's wings. She holds the wounded butterfly tenderly in her hands when it suddenly flies off. While she is visibly saddened by the actions of her cat, she picks him up, forgives and cradles him as they drift off to a nap. As she sleeps, the little girl is suddenly awakened from her slumber by hundreds of monarchs, who together, lift her up to join them on a captivating journey, rewarding her kindness in helping a broken butterfly regain it's wings and courage.
Your little ones will be able to learn that what appears to be broken doesn't necessarily mean that we should treat it with any lesser value. When we reach out to help those who are broken, beautiful blessings and results can happen as an end result.
Little Butterfly
Written & Illustrated by Laura Logan
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780062281265
For Ages 4 to 8
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