KAI THE DANCING BUTTERFLY

A young butterfly prepares for her first migration in this illustrated children’s book.

Kai is a purple butterfly who lives in “Taiwan, a beautiful island also known as the Butterfly Kingdom.” She’s preparing for her first migration from the northern tip of Taiwan to the southern district of Maolin. Ami, her older sister, teaches her special butterfly dances along the way. They stop at various Taiwanese landmarks as they travel, including Cape Santiago Lighthouse, Golden Waterfall, Red Hair Fort, Freedom Square, and “the tallest building in Taiwan, Taipei 101.” Kai is unsure of her ability to learn the butterfly dances from Ami. But Ami proves to be her cheerleader, offering her plenty of positive encouragement. As they get closer to their destination, they traverse the Taiwan Central Mountain Range and “pass by trees that reach the moon.” They arrive at the Butterfly Highway and meet a number of new friends who guide them on their way. When Ami is injured, Kai must take her place in the Winter Festival dance show. Kai again lacks confidence in her abilities, and Ami reassures her. Over the course of this book, Lee offers young readers a motivational story of butterfly migration while also sharing informative tidbits about famous locations throughout Taiwan; a glossary provides additional facts about specific spots. In addition, there’s an effective can-do message, shown through the example of Ami and, later, through Kai’s actions. Su’s anthropomorphic butterfly and animal illustrations are colorful and whimsical in ways that are sure to appeal to young children. An array of characters of different ages appear in the images, including an elderly woman who uses a wheelchair.

A well-crafted, informative, and entertaining insect adventure.