The Making of Butterflies by Zora Neale Hurston, Ibram X. Kendi and Yangni - ESSENTIAL

The Making of Butterflies by Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Kah Yangni. BOARD BOOK. Amistad Books (Harper), 2023. $10. 9780063111585

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

The Creator had almost finished making the world, but the flowers said that they were lonely, so the butterfly was created.

I liked this book because of the word choice and dialogue. It helps you really get into character as you are reading it. The illustrations and color are vivid and engaging. I also liked that it was a board book that is already introducing folktales to young readers. There is a note at the back explaining that the author overheard this being told to young children in a lumber camp in Polk County, Florida.

The Creator looks African American.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher