The Lamb and the Butterfly

In vibrantly beautiful pictures and a simple but poetic text, a Lamb and a Butterfly learn about each other's very different ways of life. "Why do you flutter so?" the Lamb asks the Butterfly. "Lambs don't flutter. We walk a straight line. One follows the other." "But I don't follow anyone," the Butterfly replies. "I go wherever I choose."

The gentle Lamb is both fascinated and alarmed by the daring freedom of the Butterfly's life. When a sudden storm soaks and crumples the Butterfly's wings, the Lamb urges her newfound friend to change his ways and stay with her. "My mother will take care of you," she offers. But will the Butterfly settle for security?

Very young children will love the rhythmic text with its repeating refrain, and will enjoy the story for its humor and charm. They will also recognize its underlying wisdom. Freedom involves risk-taking; security, too, demands a price. Readers, depending on their own instincts, can identify with either of the main characters. Who can tell another which path to follow>