I like finding out things that might not be familiar to me, or to the majority of people if it is presented in a fun way, as I do not care for “just the facts” and “dry textbooks.” I like things like The Blue Butterfly of Cochin by Ariana Mizrahi and illustrated by Siona Benjamin. (Currently available, I read this via an online reader copy). I like taking a fictional story and basing it in the facts to make it relatable to the reader.
This book talks about a storyteller of India. She is also of the Jewish faith. This young girl tells the stories of her people, stories from the services they attended and more. After the creation of Israel as a nation for the Jewish people, many of the community would fly there to start fresh. And the troubles they face as well as the lushness of India are woven together to give us the big picture. The symbol of a blue butterfly and butterflies in general, is throughout the book. It is really Benjamin’s illustrations that bring it all together, as we have read about the happy child who must leave home for the unknown before. The rich, deep colors, and amazingly detailed images pop off the page. They allow a romantic atmosphere and keep the historical and current tone as well.
While most ages could read, the length and density of things does make the book more for ages five to eight or nine. I am assuming the picture book format might seem young for the older reader, but the concepts are for them. It would also be a lovely gift for people who collect children’s books for art. Extra material is included to bring things together and give more information about the subject.