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Butterflies in Me is a collection of powerful, inspiring stories of perseverance and hope for children who feel alienated, out of place or overwhelmed. Each of the four stories in this collection centres around an emotionally vulnerable child.
There is 7-year-old Kenya, who struggles with anxiety. Permanently scarred from an accident, the stares and sneers she endures shatters her self-worth.
There is Lulu, who falls into depression following the death of her beloved Grandma. Will she ever be happy again?
Abbas is a new arrival to America. Adjusting to school proves difficult because he can’t concentrate or sit still. He wonders if he’s just a “bad” boy.
And then there is Javier, the captain of the soccer team. At school, he’s a star. At home, he’s a punching bag.
With guidance, support and love from caring adults, each child finds their voice and turns their troubles into triumphs. Through their journeys, they realise three simple truths: They are special. They are strong. They did nothing wrong. Written for children in grades K-8, Butterflies in Me is from the pen of Denisha Seals. An up-and-coming artist and filmmaker, Denisha is an abuse survivor whose stories honour and celebrate the resiliency of Black and Indigenous children and children of colour. For those caring adults wanting to make a difference, see also the Practitioner Guide Tools for Children to Embrace and Maintain Their Mental Health, and the Learning to Love Your Butterfly: A workbook building self-esteem and resilience. Both tiles are companions to the short stories
"In a culture that praises positivity and shuns sensitivity as a sign of weakness, Butterflies in Me is the warm hug of acceptance that children need to navigate through the perils of feeling different. Denisha Seals does an incredible job of compiling realistic, complex situations that so many children face with the understanding that while life can be hard, children are strong, resilient and never at fault. Working in a public school, adding the pandemic onto preexisting traumas, I can attest that this is the book all children need to know they are never alone. I loved that while there were not empty promises of problems evaporating, there was hope that they will get better and that there is always someone in their corner to care."
- Shannon Moran
"This is a very important book that offers hope and healing for kids suffering from mental health problems. It's about kids who are "special, strong and did nothing wrong." It calls attention to the stress and oftentimes overwhelming emotions that many kids are facing in their daily lives causing them to feel helpless and trapped. They are unable to escape to a happier and safer place to grow up in.
Four children are highlighted who are immersed in situations that are beyond their control to remedy... domestic violence, ADHD, depression and a sense of hopelessness. The stories are told in simple, understandable language enriched by realistic colourful illustrations. This book inspires kids to confide in a trusted adult who will be able to provide support and give help to them. The adult can assure them that it is NOT their fault and that help is available.
"Butterflies in Me: An Anthology Bringing Awareness to Mental Health" is a wonderful resource for guidance counselors, psychologists, and teachers. It would be a wonderful addition in a classroom and a school library. The book provides hope to those suffering and lets kids know they are not alone. I highly recommend this book."
- Marilyn Panton
