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Red Butterfly: How a Princess Smuggled the Secret of Silk Out of China
An enchanting tale of hidden beauty and fierce courage, retold in the style of T’ang Dynasty poetry and illustrated with charm and grace
A young Chinese princess is sent from her father’s kingdom to marry the king of a far-off land. She must leave behind her home of splendors: sour plums and pink peach petals and — most precious and secret of all — the small silkworm. She begs her father to let her stay, but he insists that she go and fulfill her destiny as the queen of Khotan. Beautifully told and arrestingly illustrated, here is a coming-of-age tale of a brave young princess whose clever plan will go on to live in legend — and will ensure that her cherished home is with her always.
A young Chinese princess is sent from her father’s kingdom to marry the king of a far-off land. She must leave behind her home of splendors: sour plums and pink peach petals and — most precious and secret of all — the small silkworm. She begs her father to let her stay, but he insists that she go and fulfill her destiny as the queen of Khotan. Beautifully told and arrestingly illustrated, here is a coming-of-age tale of a brave young princess whose clever plan will go on to live in legend — and will ensure that her cherished home is with her always.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2007
1 person is currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Noyes
30 books76 followersDeb writes for adults and children and is also an editor and photographer. She lives in Massachusetts with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 23, 2025
Beautiful illustrations, very poetic text.
The story is more about the 'why' then the 'how', but a nice telling of the legend nonetheless.
The story is more about the 'why' then the 'how', but a nice telling of the legend nonetheless.
September 19, 2011
I loved this book.
A young chinese girl is sent from her empire to marry a King.
"I am a child with my hair yet cut across my forehead, but soon I will marry the king of far Khotan".
She really does not want to leave her beautiful land, which she so loves but her Father insists she leaves to become Queen. The story tells of how the princess takes a piece of her land with her to Khotan.
This book is so beautifully illustrated that it portrays the ancient chinese culture easily to a childs eyes. I would recommend an older child to read. Younger children will understand because of the illustations.
Use of illiteration and hidden poetic meaning make for an interesting read. There is a lot to learn from this book and I would highly recommend it.
The author's note makes this a more knowledgeable read.
A young chinese girl is sent from her empire to marry a King.
"I am a child with my hair yet cut across my forehead, but soon I will marry the king of far Khotan".
She really does not want to leave her beautiful land, which she so loves but her Father insists she leaves to become Queen. The story tells of how the princess takes a piece of her land with her to Khotan.
This book is so beautifully illustrated that it portrays the ancient chinese culture easily to a childs eyes. I would recommend an older child to read. Younger children will understand because of the illustations.
Use of illiteration and hidden poetic meaning make for an interesting read. There is a lot to learn from this book and I would highly recommend it.
The author's note makes this a more knowledgeable read.
July 18, 2009
Poignant and tender, this story tells the tale of a young Chinese princess who smuggled the secret of silk from home in China to her intended's kingdom far away.
The illustrations are beautiful, complementing the subtly heartbreaking tone of the story, and the pictures and words are perfectly balanced. Though I wouldn't recommend this book for very young children, I would encourage older children to read and reflect on it's content.
The illustrations are beautiful, complementing the subtly heartbreaking tone of the story, and the pictures and words are perfectly balanced. Though I wouldn't recommend this book for very young children, I would encourage older children to read and reflect on it's content.
June 6, 2009
What a lovely, poetic picture book. From the quiet repetition (“In my father’s kingdom there are many splendors”) to the diction (“rustling in red silk, rustling”) to the gorgeous painterly illustrations, this book has it all. A wonderful story of longing and loss, and of one princess’s daring in trying to take with her memories of her home, this is a small masterpiece.
December 31, 2019
With a recurring verse of "In my father's kingdom there are many splendors," this story follows a princess being married off to the king of Khotan near Tibet. Legend has it that she hid some silkworms and mulberry seeds in her hair as she left China.
April 2, 2023
A young princess is being sent to a faraway kingdom to be married to the Emperor there.
She is forlorn as she must leave behind her parents, the sights, smells, and lands she has called home.
She takes only a few silkworms with her to remind her of another time.
The legend of the Goddess of Silk is told in beautiful poetic verse.
I recommend reading the author's note at the back of the book first. Personally, the subtitle felt like I should have been reading a legend or possible biography instead of a children's picture book.
Seeing as the book is geared towards a juvenile audience, it felt a bit like reading "oh this is a kid's picture book about a child-bride". That was my misconception, until after reading the author's note.
The illustrations by Sophie Blackall are culturally respectful and vibrant, despite the sad subject of leaving home for the unknown, but wonderful text by Deborah Noyes guides the reader through it.
She is forlorn as she must leave behind her parents, the sights, smells, and lands she has called home.
She takes only a few silkworms with her to remind her of another time.
The legend of the Goddess of Silk is told in beautiful poetic verse.
I recommend reading the author's note at the back of the book first. Personally, the subtitle felt like I should have been reading a legend or possible biography instead of a children's picture book.
Seeing as the book is geared towards a juvenile audience, it felt a bit like reading "oh this is a kid's picture book about a child-bride". That was my misconception, until after reading the author's note.
The illustrations by Sophie Blackall are culturally respectful and vibrant, despite the sad subject of leaving home for the unknown, but wonderful text by Deborah Noyes guides the reader through it.
February 27, 2019
Not suitable for storytime with my 2s and 3s, but beautifully lyrical and makes me want to go read more on the subject!
May 17, 2017
I'm torn and confused by this one. Sophie Blackall is one of my favorite children's book illustrators, and I think her work in this book is beautifully done, but overall I'm confused about the intended audience of Red Butterfly. It's written with subtlety and would likely require a LOT of explanation for younger audiences to truly "get it." To appreciate the book as it deserves, I think readers would be benefited by an understanding of the cultural and historical contexts, the role of marriage as a political tool, the economics of relatively closed and specialized commercial systems, the emotional immensity of being a young person facing the expectation to leave your home and your family for distant lands among strangers, and so on. Complex stuff. For heaven sakes, with my students I would even have to explain the meaning of "smuggled" in the book's title, and they would struggle with the idea that "smuggle" has a very negative connotation but is being applied to this lovely princess for whom they would likely feel an affinity. All of this points to the idea that the book is best used with older elementary or middle school aged children, particularly if you really want them to "get it." But the book is presented like an early childhood storybook so I'm unsure it will find its way into the hands of middle grade students and educators. As an adult I appreciate the book's complexity and layered approach to conveying the story (and its economic and political consequences), but I don't think the book was created with me as the target audience.
Over, it's a lovely book. I just don't know who it's for.
Over, it's a lovely book. I just don't know who it's for.
January 23, 2019
This book was about a little girl who was getting ready to leave home. it talks about her fathers kingdom and all the great things he has and what she will be leaving behind.
I did not like this book at all because it talks about a girl getting married off to another family and even though it is something that culture dose i dont think it is something little kids need to learn about just yet
I would use this in my classroom when talking about different cultures and what other cultures do compared to ours.
I did not like this book at all because it talks about a girl getting married off to another family and even though it is something that culture dose i dont think it is something little kids need to learn about just yet
I would use this in my classroom when talking about different cultures and what other cultures do compared to ours.
July 5, 2018
Beautiful illustrations — not very kid friendly.
July 16, 2022
A picture book retelling of folklore about a Princess of China who is betrothed to a Prince of Khotan. She worries about leaving the beautiful land of her father, and decides to take something of home with her. The silkworms and mulberry seeds necessary to make silk, a deeply guarded Chinese secret.
I really liked how the book explored the natural wonders of China that a girl might have loved. The text was very lyrically written. It is a little disturbing how young the princess is (though also probably accurate for the time period). The story, though, cuts off when she leaves for Khotan and is more about missing the land and people she loves than anything else. The origins of the folklore and the history of silk and how it was guarded as a secret is elaborated on in the back of the book. Definitely a good choice to read when learning about the Silk Road or how silk is made.
I really liked how the book explored the natural wonders of China that a girl might have loved. The text was very lyrically written. It is a little disturbing how young the princess is (though also probably accurate for the time period). The story, though, cuts off when she leaves for Khotan and is more about missing the land and people she loves than anything else. The origins of the folklore and the history of silk and how it was guarded as a secret is elaborated on in the back of the book. Definitely a good choice to read when learning about the Silk Road or how silk is made.
April 14, 2021
Sophie Blackalls illustrations always leave me in awe. This book did not disappoint me. Throughout the story, the red butterfly can be seen. I love the use of red in every illustrations. Growing up I was always told that China was rich in colors like red, orange, and yellow. I felt like I saw that throughout the story. I'm unsure with this book to the intended audience is. I think this could be a good book for Second and third graders. The story is easy to read and has a repeating theme throughout. I really liked the authors note because it help to explain some of the information given in the story.
May 22, 2021
This book of prose is also poetic! Unlike the subtitle suggests, there is actually very little discussion of how the unnamed protagonist smuggled the secret of silk out of China. The story will probably need some context for readers, as the story centers on the protagonist’s marriage to a faraway and unknown king, even though she seems very young and is apprehensive.
January 3, 2023
Mt daughter is usually anti-princess, but in this case she enjoyed this story about a princess being married off to a stranger and stealing a piece of home to take with her. Beautiful illustrations and an interesting author's note about the different theories of how the secret of silk got out of China.
February 14, 2024
while beautifully describing parts of Chinese court life, the actual silk smuggling was only about one of the sentences of the story. it seemed the book ended only half way through the story; I would've liked more about what happened when the princess reached her destination, as well as about the silk making process. the afterword was way better in this regard.
June 20, 2024
We got done reading this and my six-year-old daughter said, "That was confusing." I don't like picture books that children can't understand. It just defeats the point of a picture book for me. Anyway, a girl is told she is going to be married to a kind far away and must leave all the things she loves behind.
October 12, 2022
DNF. Husband could hardly read this one aloud. It attempted to be poetic, we saw plenty of poetic literary devices, however, first-person present-tense narration created a stilted text flow. Nice artwork though.
November 9, 2017
I adore this book. I am a big fan of Sophie Blackall, and this book is one of our favourites.
November 22, 2017
Based on historical evens. Lovely story. Pretty illustrations.
August 24, 2019
Lovely illustrations, and a book that would be beautiful to read aloud, but the text was somewhat too abstract for me to get a clear picture of what was going on.
March 17, 2024
The illustrations are lovely. But story was not what I was expecting.
February 6, 2025
The book felt harmful. It is a story of a daughter prepping to be married and the more I read the more it felt like a child-bride situation.
April 3, 2019
Grade: K-2
Historical Fiction
The illustrations are beautiful in this story about a Chinese girl doing her duty as a young girl in China. It gives good insight into that time period in Chinese history.
Historical Fiction
The illustrations are beautiful in this story about a Chinese girl doing her duty as a young girl in China. It gives good insight into that time period in Chinese history.
July 21, 2019
Deborah Noyes tells a story that explains the preciousness of silk in her story Red Butterfly: How a Princess Smuggled the Secret of Silk Our of China. Based on Chinese lore, the story not only presents the myth of the princess who smuggled silk worm moths to the new home she would make after marriage, but also shows us many aspects of ancient Chinese culture. Very well done. Complimented by the illustrations of the amazing Sophie Blackall, this book makes us feel the lushness and lightness of silk, as well as the richness and mystery of another culture.
October 7, 2019
There are many beautiful and interesting aspects of ancient China depicted. The book is written in an engaging manner. Those parts of the book I enjoyed, as well as the art work.
I do feel, however, that this is not the best book for very young children, as a few other reviewers have mentioned. Additionally, I did not enjoy it overall due to feeling empathy for the central character and the human rights issues involved.
The central character is a young girl, a princess, forced by her father and mother to marry and move to another kingdom. The father has several consorts. The book leaves me with the feeling that women are just commodities. Although this is fiction, which is historically based, I still feel that the human rights issues should be acknowledged and I think it would be hard to discuss them in a way that very young children would understand. I feel that the main character's dilemma was minimized in the end, as the focus was concerned with her being able to bring away one thing she loved with her, as an act of rebellion. The silkworm and Mulberry seed she hid was said to enable the first production of silk outside China. It is hardly compensation for life as a child bride.
I saw a documentary about fathers in a different country, who sell their young daughters into prostitution due to family finances, happening in the modern era. Reading this book reminded me of the lack of respect for women during throughout time, so I really did not enjoy it.
I do feel, however, that this is not the best book for very young children, as a few other reviewers have mentioned. Additionally, I did not enjoy it overall due to feeling empathy for the central character and the human rights issues involved.
The central character is a young girl, a princess, forced by her father and mother to marry and move to another kingdom. The father has several consorts. The book leaves me with the feeling that women are just commodities. Although this is fiction, which is historically based, I still feel that the human rights issues should be acknowledged and I think it would be hard to discuss them in a way that very young children would understand. I feel that the main character's dilemma was minimized in the end, as the focus was concerned with her being able to bring away one thing she loved with her, as an act of rebellion. The silkworm and Mulberry seed she hid was said to enable the first production of silk outside China. It is hardly compensation for life as a child bride.
I saw a documentary about fathers in a different country, who sell their young daughters into prostitution due to family finances, happening in the modern era. Reading this book reminded me of the lack of respect for women during throughout time, so I really did not enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2014
This books gives readers insight into the Chinese secret of silk production. It has a rich plot that leaves readers with thought-provoking questions: Why couldn't she take anything with her when she left to marry? How was she able to smuggle some items from China?
The characters represent Asian culture accurately. The main character describes her father's kingdom, thinking of the many "splendors" she will remember about her life there and what she will miss when she leaves it to marry. Silk is the most valued splendor and a secret of her people. She describes ladies crisscrossing the courtyards. She shares a moment with her maidservant, who combs her long black hair. Her little brother plays his flute for her before she leaves. She worries about leaving her father's kingdom and says goodbye to all of it's splendors, except one thing she cannot refuse to give up.
The characters represent Asian culture accurately. The main character describes her father's kingdom, thinking of the many "splendors" she will remember about her life there and what she will miss when she leaves it to marry. Silk is the most valued splendor and a secret of her people. She describes ladies crisscrossing the courtyards. She shares a moment with her maidservant, who combs her long black hair. Her little brother plays his flute for her before she leaves. She worries about leaving her father's kingdom and says goodbye to all of it's splendors, except one thing she cannot refuse to give up.
October 3, 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright: 2007
"Red Butterfly" follows a young Chinese princess just before she is to be wed to a prince in Khotan. She longs to bring a part of her country with her but knows it is forbidden.
The book gives readers a chance to see how life was like in ancient China. There are parts throughout the book that describe the beauty that China possesses and the culture of the Chinese people. The illustrations were good and the colors Sophie Blackall were appropriate. The book also gives some detailed information about silk and the Silk Road trading route, as well as giving the author's influence for the story.
Copyright: 2007
"Red Butterfly" follows a young Chinese princess just before she is to be wed to a prince in Khotan. She longs to bring a part of her country with her but knows it is forbidden.
The book gives readers a chance to see how life was like in ancient China. There are parts throughout the book that describe the beauty that China possesses and the culture of the Chinese people. The illustrations were good and the colors Sophie Blackall were appropriate. The book also gives some detailed information about silk and the Silk Road trading route, as well as giving the author's influence for the story.
October 10, 2007
Delicately depicted in mint, peach and red, this beautifully worded tale shares the solitary heartbreak and secret unraveling of a young girl who shines light into her own uncertain future.
Other books mentioned:
* Goodnight Moon
* Gleam and Glow
Listen to our chat about Red Butterfly: How a Princess Smuggled the Secret of Silk Out of China on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:
http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/1...
Other books mentioned:
* Goodnight Moon
* Gleam and Glow
Listen to our chat about Red Butterfly: How a Princess Smuggled the Secret of Silk Out of China on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:
http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/1...
September 25, 2013
Read by: Mary
Author: Deborah Noyes
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Genre: Historical
Interest Level: K-2
Grade level Equivalent: 5.7
Lexile Measure®: 880L
This book is about a princess who was responsible for bringing silk to the whole world. China had become rich by keeping the secret of the silkworm for themselves. This is based on the true story but with some embellishment. This is supposed to be for interest level of K- 2nd, but I think it would be better suited for the upper levels, especially third grade, which teaches about China.
Author: Deborah Noyes
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Genre: Historical
Interest Level: K-2
Grade level Equivalent: 5.7
Lexile Measure®: 880L
This book is about a princess who was responsible for bringing silk to the whole world. China had become rich by keeping the secret of the silkworm for themselves. This is based on the true story but with some embellishment. This is supposed to be for interest level of K- 2nd, but I think it would be better suited for the upper levels, especially third grade, which teaches about China.
May 30, 2009
This is a wonderful story, woven with gorgeous illustrations and a story that is more poetry than pure narrative. It is simple enough to keep children engaged, but it is sophisticated enough for adults too. This is a great story to read aloud; the words are almost musical off the tongue.
We've borrowed this book a couple of times from the library. Our oldest daughter really loves it!
We've borrowed this book a couple of times from the library. Our oldest daughter really loves it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews