Kai the Dancing Butterfly [Picture Book Review]
Crystal Z. Lee again combines a positive story with real world locations, this time focusing on the country of Taiwan and butterfly migration.
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Author: Crystal Z. Lee
Illustrator: Allie Su
Published: 2022 by Balestier Press
About the Book:
"Kai and Ami are dancing butterflies from Taiwan! They have a performance coming up at the Winter Festival dance show in the southern part of the island. They are currently in northern Taiwan, so they need to hurry and start flying south. That's far for a butterfly! Kai is worried about the long journey, and about the big show too. Can Kai step up to the challenge?Kai the Dancing Butterfly celebrates Taiwan's natural scenic wonders, amazing animal species, and incredible Indigenous cultures. This children's book is a marvelous read for all those who love Taiwan, or for those who'd like to learn more about Taiwanese culture. This elaborately illustrated picture book makes an ideal gift:*Real locations in Taiwan make for an inspiring geography, history and cultural lesson*Storyline sparks dialogue around empathy, kindness, courage, faith, perseverance, friendship, and the support between siblings*Exquisite illustrations of Taiwan's majestic animals and endangered species fosters learning around ecological conservation and habitat protection*This is the first English-language children's fiction featuring Taiwan's fascinating Purple Crow Butterfly migration. This natural phenomenon is one of the planet's only mass butterfly seasonal migration.*The author Crystal Z. Lee, and the illustrator Allie Su, both grew up in Taiwan. This book is an homage to their beautiful home."
The Artist Librarian Review:
Crystal Z. Lee again combines a positive story with real world locations, this time focusing on the country of Taiwan and butterfly migration. In Kai the Dancing Butterfly, readers follow the Purple Crow Butterfly migration from northern to southern Taiwan, fictionalized through anthropomorphized butterfly siblings Kai and Ami, who are traveling to perform at the Winter Festival dance. While Lee's debut picture book, A Unicorn Named Rin, highlighted teamwork and friendship, Kai the Dancing Butterfly focuses on the bond between siblings, courage, and perseverance. Big sister Ami is Kai's cheerleader and support, giving her the confidence she needs to "spread her wings" when she is thrust into an unexpected role.
Lee partners with fellow Taiwanese artist Allie Su and their love for the country shines through not just the text, but illustrations as well. Whimsical and colorful art include details such as traditional clothing of nine different indigenous Taiwanese tribes (worn by the butterflies) or the 30 different real life places and locations depicted in the story. Finally, the end of the book contains a short glossary about the real life places in Taiwan mentioned in the story, which could be a great starting off point for an extension activity for kids to research or explore further.
Lee partners with fellow Taiwanese artist Allie Su and their love for the country shines through not just the text, but illustrations as well. Whimsical and colorful art include details such as traditional clothing of nine different indigenous Taiwanese tribes (worn by the butterflies) or the 30 different real life places and locations depicted in the story. Finally, the end of the book contains a short glossary about the real life places in Taiwan mentioned in the story, which could be a great starting off point for an extension activity for kids to research or explore further.
While I found the story itself a bit too long for my personal storytime style at the library, it may work for other librarians and I think this book would great for individual read-alouds for families or young independent readers. Homeschool families and teachers should definitely look into the unique locations and animals depicted and supplement with photos and videos easily found in other print and online resources.
Do you enjoy picture books with educational elements? What are some of your favorites?
About the Author:
"Crystal Z. Lee was raised in a bilingual household in Taiwan and in California. Her great-grandparents and grandparents are originally from Taichung, Hualien, and Jinguashi area in Taipei. Crystal grew up in Taipei, and later returned to live there in her adult years. Some of her favorite memories in Taiwan include lighting lanterns with her family in Pingxi, attending a school field trip in Yehliu, boating at Sun Moon Lake, dining at grand banquets with relatives, hiking at Yangming mountain with her parents, sampling every boba tea possible with her sister, taking wedding photographs in Tamsui, and even giving birth to her child in Taipei! Her young children love dancing and adore butterflies, and have been learning how to grow plants that are beneficial for butterflies. Crystal is also the author of the children's book A Unicorn Named Rin, and the novel, Love and Other Moods."
About the Illustrator:
"Allie Su was born and raised in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She attended Nanhua University in Chiayi city, majoring in Visual Arts. She is a professional illustrator, specializing in oil painting and ink painting. Allie adores vegetarian food and hot coffee. She believes in bringing joy to people worldwide through art."
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes.]
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