Reviewed by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite
Butterfly Sea by Cynthia Mackey is a children's picture book about two siblings who set out to take a snapshot of a butterfly. However, as they wait to spot the butterflies they hope to find, they stumble on other marvels as well. As the older sibling readies her camera to capture pictures of the beautiful scenery unfolding around them, the younger sibling takes them both on fun little adventures with her creative mind. Through the power of play and imagination, the siblings envision a mermaid on a quest to find ice cream, a pirate searching for treasure, and a silly shark who eats cheesy goldfish crackers and sour lemonade. Through these quirky adventures, the children learn that true discovery requires patience and a lot of creativity. Join them on their incredible adventure today.
Butterfly Sea by Cynthia Mackey teaches readers about the value of play, a child's imagination, appreciation for nature, and finding joy in the little moments. The story is easy to follow and is backed by captivating artwork. The illustrations by Marie-Laure Couët are vibrant and full of warmth, making each page feel like you just stepped into a child’s colorful dream. Through the siblings' adventure, young readers are encouraged to be brave and inquisitive when they explore the world around them. I love how the author reminds us that beauty can be found in the small things that occur in our lives. She teaches us that sometimes, the most epic adventures aren't the action-packed ones – they're often found in the quiet moments we share with our loved ones. Mackey’s message is clear: you don’t need big adventures to find true happiness. Sometimes, all you need is to open your heart to the simple moments happening right around you every day.