From Publishers Weekly
Drawn from the writings of Chuang Tzu, the fourth-century B.C. thinker sometimes called the Butterfly Philosopher, this delicate prose poem tells of "a boy who dreamed he was a butterfly and, as a butterfly, he always dreamed he was a boy." Though the boy endures the laughter of others as he tries to suck nectar from flowers and finds beauty in stagnant water, he is heaped with praise after he fails to bow before a marauding warlord (who reminds the boy of a beetle on its back). Yet the dreamy boy cares little for the world's opinion, for he is happy as he is. Yep's simple language is exquisite in its clarity and, like a pebble thrown into water, creates ripples of meaning. A similar ethereal sensibility graces Lee's paintings. Mottled backgrounds capture the story's ephemeral essence while the somewhat stylized figures are drawn with the care of a calligrapher. Details of the boy's butterfly visions are highlighted in sumptuously colored boxes superimposed, cartouche-like, upon the page, like patterns on a kimono. Quiet strength and inner serenity pervade this masterly combination of text, artwork and design. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-The Butterfly Boy "...dreamed he was a butterfly, and, as a butterfly, he always dreamed he was a boy." He often acts like one, dancing on the flowers on a lady's robe and riding on a buffalo's back. He is unconcerned with the opinions of those who laugh at him, even when he mocks an invading army and is brought before the commander (a scene that briefly provides some dramatic action). Yep's skill as a writer shows in his elegant language and his ability to express ideas gracefully and specifically that might otherwise be vague. One of the themes of this story (which is based on writings of an ancient Chinese philosopher) is reverence for nature and joy in its cycles. This is undoubtly a worthy message, but, unfortunately, this book has too little plot and too much philosophy, and many youngsters are sure to find parts of it confusing. The attractive paintings, glowing double-paged spreads, are as poetic as the unrhymed text. The images are full of emotion and entirely appropriate to the culture depicted. Overall, Lee's artwork is a considerable asset to this collaboration. However, the story has limited child appeal.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, ILCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
