Skip to content

Used.org

The Used Marketplace

Menu
  • Home
  • Used Autos
  • Boats
  • Books
  • Cell Phones
  • Motorcycles
  • RVs
Menu

WITH A BUTTERFLY’S WINGS

Posted on by

Book Cover

The girl narrates, describing her grandmother’s teachings about the creatures and blossoms they see on their walks. She learns about the colors of swallows and swifts and that hummingbirds build their nests with moss and spiderwebs. Her grandmother teaches her to identify the songs of blue herons and robins. Grandma’s hand-weaving skills are a central motif: As the pair (both White) gaze at finches, the girl exclaims: “Grandma, it looks like you wove them with your red thread!” In Celej’s elegant mixed-media illustrations, Grandma’s thread is a visual throughline connecting her, her granddaughter, and the natural world. Pale washes in earth colors define delicate city and woodland scenes, with brighter hues reserved for winged creatures. As pages turn, the girl’s deepening knowledge—and increasingly solitary walks—become apparent. “Very old by now,” Grandma has impaired hearing, sight, and movement. She tells her granddaughter that “the day it’s my turn to go, I’ll fly around you first.” Later, a swallow repeatedly circles the girl in the schoolyard, gently symbolizing Grandma’s death. The girl vows that when it’s her turn, she’ll “fly with a butterfly’s wings.” Teachers and caregivers looking for books to help discuss death with children will appreciate this subtle story about the treasured memories that help us endure loss. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Kirkus Reviews

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X

Like this:

Like Loading...

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy Policy

Used.org for sale at URLs.net

©2025 Used.org | Design by Superb
%d