THE ROCK AND THE BUTTERFLY

A butterfly undergoes an emotional metamorphosis when its beloved rock disappears.

“Once there was a rock that sat solidly on the ground. And once there was a butterfly that flitted and fluttered everywhere.” The butterfly and the rock have the perfect relationship: The rock enjoys staying in place and listening to the butterfly’s tales, while the butterfly loves going on wild adventures, then returning home to the reliable safety of the rock. But one day, the butterfly comes back to discover the rock is gone. “Without the rock, how would the butterfly rest? Who would listen to the butterfly’s stories?” As the surrounding sky and sea become gray and stormy, the exhausted butterfly finally drops onto a dip in the ground. After the sun and moon offer comfort, the butterfly regains its stamina—and discovers something that will permanently lift its spirits. Kerrigan’s artwork complements Stinson’s simple, lyrical text, depicting the rock’s solidity while adding motion lines around the butterfly’s vibrant wings. This gentle metaphor for loss will soothe children grappling with grief. It’s a poetic, attractive package that will lull youngsters at bedtime but might also stimulate conversation. (What happened to the rock? Why does the butterfly feel better at the end of the story?)

A moving, thoughtful meditation on life and loss.