Butterfly's Dream

July 21, 2003
In an endnote, Keido, a monk living at a Buddhist monastery in the Catskills, explains that these linked tales (similar in structure and theme to Aesop's fables) are based on the "Chuang-Tzu" stories, written in China sometime between 369 and 286 B.C., and meant to teach readers to "think and act differently." The subtlety of the Taoist undercurrent here, while it may intrigue some children, may go over the heads of others. In an opening scene, the Aman Chuang-Tzu dreams that he is a butterfly. Several scenes follow, with the butterfly observing and interpreting their meaning. In one, for example, a man trains a fighting rooster for the king. Paradoxically, as the rooster grows less aggressive, he becomes more intimidating. The butterfly opines that "one who is quietly confident and calm has real
power and strength, not one who is easily excited." In the conclusion, the butterfly dreams that it is Chuang-Tzu and awakens; shortly thereafter Chuang-Tzu awakens: "Am I Chuang-Tzu dreaming that I was a butterfly, or am I a butterfly who's dreaming that I am a man named Chuang-Tzu?" Stone's (Cool Melons Turn to Frogs) rough-grained watercolors capture Chinese landscapes resplendent with flora and fauna (Chinese calligraphy also appears on many pages). Her foreshortened lines work best on the animal characters and are less successful for the human characters. Ages 4-8.

January 1, 2004
Gr 3-6-A collection of stories, woven together by the flight of a butterfly. The book includes several stories from the Chuang-Tzu, originally written during the Chou dynasty (369-286 B.C.E.). These retellings incorporate the original themes of the stories and encourage children to think and act differently about such things as good versus bad, right and wrong. The author's notes indicate changes made in these retellings. Beautiful watercolor illustrations and Chinese calligraphy enhance the stories. Readers will fly with the butterfly as it wings its way through each tale and appears on most pages. The language encourages readers to observe and reflect on the various themes that are relevant to today's youth.-Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.