Saving the Butterfly A story about refugees

Two resourceful siblings begin a new life as refugees in a poetic picture book about thriving—in your own time—after great loss.

From an award-winning author and a talented debut illustrator comes a profound story about child refugees healing and building new lives. When rescuers meet the boat, there are only two people left—a big child and a little one. The big one, remembering the trip across the dark sea, hides indoors. The little one ventures out, making friends, laughing, growing strong. When he brings the outside in, in the form of a butterfly, will his sister find the courage to guide the winged creature back into the world where it belongs? Powerful illustrations dance between dark and light in a moving tale of empathy, resilience, and the universal need for home and safety.

Helen Cooper is a renowned author and illustrator whose award-winning books for children include The Hippo at the End of the Hall and Pumpkin Soup, a Kate Greenaway Medal winner. She lives in England.

Gill Smith is a writer and illustrator who has explored collaborative storytelling in many forms. Saving the Butterfly is her debut picture book. She lives in England.