Butterfly Moon

Anita Endrezze has deep memories. Her father was a Yaqui Indian. Her mother traced her heritage to Slovenia, Germany, Romania, and Italy. And her stories seem to bubble up from this ancestral cauldron. Butterfly Moon is a collection of short stories based on folk tales from around the world. But its stories are set in the contemporary, everyday world. Or are they? Endrezze tells these stories in a distinctive and poetic voice. Fantasy often intrudes into reality. Alternate “realities” and shifting perspectives lead us to question our own perceptions. Endrezze is especially interested in how humans hide feelings or repress thoughts by developing shadow selves. In “Raven’s Moon,” she introduces the shadow concept with a Black Moon, the “unseen reflection of the known.” (Of course the story is about a witch couple who seem very much in love.) The title character in “The Wife Who Lived on Wind” is an ogress who lives in a world somewhat similar to our own, but only somewhat. “The Vampire and the Moth Woman” reveals shape-shifters living among us. Not surprisingly, Trickster appears in these tales. As in Native American stories, Trickster might be a fox or a coyote or a raven or a human—or something in between. “White Butterflies” and “Where the Bones Are” both deal with devastating diseases that swept through Yaqui country in the 1530s. Underneath their surfaces are old Yaqui folktales that feature the greatest Trickster of all: Death (and his little brother Fate). Enjoyably disturbing, these stories linger—deep in our memory.

Anita Endrezze has deep memories. Her father was a Yaqui Indian. Her mother traced her heritage to Slovenia, Germany, Romania, and Italy. And her stories seem to bubble up from this ancestral cauldron. Butterfly Moon is a collection of short stories based on folk tales from around the world. But its stories are set in the contemporary, everyday world. Or are they? Endrezze tells these stories in a distinctive and poetic voice. Fantasy often intrudes into reality. Alternate “realities” and shifting perspectives lead us to question our own perceptions. Endrezze is especially interested in how humans hide feelings or repress thoughts by developing shadow selves. In “Raven’s Moon,” she introduces the shadow concept with a Black Moon, the “unseen reflection of the known.” (Of course the story is about a witch couple who seem very much in love.) The title character in “The Wife Who Lived on Wind” is an ogress who lives in a world somewhat similar to our own, but only somewhat. “The Vampire and the Moth Woman” reveals shape-shifters living among us. Not surprisingly, Trickster appears in these tales. As in Native American stories, Trickster might be a fox or a coyote or a raven or a human—or something in between. “White Butterflies” and “Where the Bones Are” both deal with devastating diseases that swept through Yaqui country in the 1530s. Underneath their surfaces are old Yaqui folktales that feature the greatest Trickster of all: Death (and his little brother Fate). Enjoyably disturbing, these stories linger—deep in our memory.

1. Glow in the dark 2. Strawberry Pink 3. Dreadful News 4. Baptized in Beauty 5. Crown Jewels

A unique blend of traditional folklore and contemporary customs brings the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival to life. Two sisters and their grandmother celebrate a popular Chinese holiday with family. Their favorite part? Mooncakes, of course--along with Ah-ma's story of the ancient Chinese tale of Hou Yi, a brave young archer, and his wife, Chang'E. A long, long time ago, Hou Yi rescued the earth from the heat of ten suns. The Immortals rewarded him with a magic potion that could let him live in the sky with them forever. But when a thief tries to steal the potion, what will Chang'E do to keep it out of dangerous hands? The sisters are mesmerized by Ah-ma's retelling and the fact that the very mooncakes they enjoy each holiday are a symbol of this legend's bravest soul.

Lori Van Kirk Schue is an award winning fine and graphic artist and author of many children's and art resource books, including the best selling Art Works for Kids. She is an expert in art curriculum development and a professional illustrator. Her books are always dedicated to her family for their constant inspiration and support. Moon Glow and Hyacinth is a story about accepting who you are, inside and out. A caterpillar who wishes she could swim and a tadpole who wants wings so she can fly? How absurd! Moon Glow and Hyacinth try to achieve what they most admire in each other. But in the end, each must accept the harsh truth that sometimes you have to embrace your limitations. They learn that instead of wishing you are like someone else, discovering the magic that makes you unique and using your imagination can make your dreams come true. Children often find fault with the way they speak or look, or with their abilities. Looking to others as ideal may lead to self doubt or low self esteem. Learning to appreciate others while accepting who we are inside and out is not always easy. But using our imaginations can suddenly open a world of new ideas that lead to self confidence. Developing a strong vocabulary and engaging in the arts are wonderful ways to express ourselves. This See Say Create book combines literature and art activities to help develop a whole minded, creative approach to learning. Read the story, learn new vocabulary from the supplied list of definitions, and have fun creating. the art projects were developed especially for Moon Glow and Hyacinth by Artlingz, Inc., an online creativity warehouse of fun and educational art activities for everyone. This is a See Say Create™ book for budding readers and artists. For more See Say Create books by Lori Van Kirk Schue that combine stories and art, look for Peapod, Dot and Charlie. Have more fun doing art. Visit www. artlingz. com.

Describes a female Monarch butterfly's solitary flight from Arkansas to Michigan as she lays the eggs that will hatch and repeat her life cycle.