SISTER BUTTERFLY by Mike Mirabella, illustrated by Amy O’Hanlon – Picture Books, Animal Stories, Inclusion & Friendship

Sister Butterfly from Mike Mirabella’s Carla Stories shares the crucial message that communication comes in many forms. Even for those who struggle to be understood, connection is always possible.

Told through song lyrics and charming illustrations, the narrator’s little sister, a young girl with Down Syndrome, joins her brother on a walk through a verdant garden. Eventually, they encounter a group of other kids, who come to see the flightless blue butterfly she has found.

True to its title, this book creates a lyrical parallel between the little sister and the butterfly.

Both the sister and the butterfly use unique ways to interact with the world that make them easy to be overlooked. The butterfly must walk on the ground and is only found because the sister searches a quiet corner of the garden. In turn, her “secret world is hidden in the silence of her eyes.” When the other kids take an interest in what she has found, they find she’s happy to show them her special butterfly friend.

Illustrator Amy O’Hanlon’s pastel drawings perfectly match the tone and meaning of the heartfelt lyrics.

Double-page spreads of a vibrant garden fill this book. The characters are largely rendered in soft hues, with their eyes and the world around them standing out in a rainbow of brilliant color. A matching shade of blue emphasizes the bond between the little sister and the butterfly, standing out brightly among the greenery. The beautiful composition of shapes and colors on each page makes Sister Butterfly a treat to read.

Sister Butterfly contains the poetic lyrics of a song of the same name, written by author and musician Mirabella about his daughter Carla, who like the little sister in the book, also lived with Down Syndrome. This provides him with a unique insight into the little sister’s special world.

The book comes with a download of a recording of Sister Butterfly, as well as sheet music for anyone– child or adult– who wants to learn the song themselves. The format of this book would make it easy for young children to try singing along and contains a bonus song, I Am So Like You, by Mirabella.

With its touching message of empathy, gorgeous illustrations, and an invitation to explore its inspired music, Sister Butterfly makes for an excellent read that can be enjoyed by both the young and the young at heart.