Little Butterfly

LITTLE BUTTERFLY by Laura Logan is a wordless picture book about the power of small acts of kindness. The style of illustration is absolutely gorgeous and is hands down my favorite part of the book. The author/illustrator uses gentle and soft lines which are strangely comforting and relaxing. Occasional infusions of red and blue color accent the story perfectly. However, particularly in the beginning, the story lacks in emotional build up for bigger scenes.

The messages inside the story are powerful and good for any age to understand. In the beginning, the child gets her cape ripped, just like a nearby butterfly’s wing. Through the story, readers understand that just because something is broken, does not mean it is lesser or without value. In addition, it shows that when people (or butterflies) who are broken help each other with kindness, beautiful results can happen.

This is a story perfect for daydreamers, for children who love exploring and imagination. For young learners, the author provides a helpful note at the end of the story that explains a bit more about the scientific details of butterflies and their life cycles. It would be a rare reader indeed who wouldn’t feel uplifted by the end of this sweet picture book.

A masterful work of storytelling through imagery.

The first thing readers should know up-front about this book is this: There are no words.
That’s right—32 pages, and no actual prose to speak of. If that bothers you, then this isn’t the children’s story for you. However… if you’re open to a beautifully illustrated sequential narrative that invites your child to contemplate and tell YOU what’s going on in each scene, this book provides just such an opportunity.

Is the little girl’s experience a magical adventure or a fantastical dream? My own children presented mixed theories. The discussion it invoked was both surprising and a welcome insight into their thought processes.

Logan’s artwork is serene and lovely--perfectly suited to the subject matter. The style is a blend of softly sweeping charcoal and a sort of smudged colored pencil feel—utilizing grays, oranges, and blues exclusively but with a charming and distinct effect. The symmetry is thoughtful, and the message is one that encourages kindness and imagination.

For those longing for more clarity regarding the storyteller’s motivations, the author’s note at the end is satisfyingly extensive. In it Logan shares about the special meaning Monarch butterflies hold for her, and even points to a biological curiosity regarding their migratory patterns as the source for her inspiration. If there could possibly be any doubt as to the lesson she meant to convey, she sums it up with a quote from Aesop’s Fables:

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” --Aesop