Butterflies in Me
by
Denisha Seals
Illustrated by Gabhor Utomo
An anthology bringing awareness to mental health
Publisher: Boys Town Press
Publication date: 14th May 2018 - rereleased 2022
Genre: Children's / Middle Grade
Pages: 92
Format read: eBook
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Smith Publicity
My review
Butterflies in Me is a collection of short stories that focus on some common, yet challenging, mental health conditions in children.
The book covers an array of circumstances children may find themselves in; such as domestic abuse, PTSD, bullying, anxiety, ADHD and depression. Seals uses simple language and short stories making them child friendly.
Denisha Seals includes coping skills in her stories and avenues children can go through if they need help.
I liked that the happy endings came eventually but not immediately, as mental health issues take time to work through.
Each story is written in 1st person, narrated by the children, which gives a stronger connection to the child, making it more relatable to children reading the book.
Javier and his mother are abused by his stepfather. he is offered help from a trusted source (in this case a teacher) and he and his mother are directed to people trained to help in these situations.
Kenya is disfigured and bullied. Her anxiety becomes all consuming. When she opens up to her father he takes her to see a doctor who helps her.
Abbas has ADHD. He can't concentrate at school and his self worth is destroyed. He is helped with a simple explanation of his condition and tactics to employ to help him stay focused.
Lulu falls into a deep depression after her beloved grandmother dies. When she see a therapist she is given coping strategies to see her through this time of grief.
Each story ends with the catchphrase "I am special, strong, and I did nothing wrong."
The stories are enhanced by Gabhor Utomo's vivid watercolour illustrations from each child's life and images from their imagination.
Butterflies in Me would be an ideal book to be used in schools and for child therapists.
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the author
DENISHA SEALS is an artist, filmmaker and author who uses the power of her pen to lift the voices of the marginalized and victimized. A survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma, she advocates for more awareness and understanding of the emotional toll abuse victims experience, particularly children of color. Her uplifting stories inspire readers to be strong, fearless and full of hope.
About the illustrator
GABHOR UTOMO was born in Indonesia. He moved to California in 1997 to become an artist. He received his degree from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and now works as a freelance artist. Gabhor, his wife, Dina, and his twin daughters live in Portland, Oregon.
