What do you think?
Rate this book
Butterflies In Me
Butterflies In Me is an original children's picture book project created for African American, Native American, and Latino children who have been diagnosed with mental illness
- GenresChildrens
92 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2018
6 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 7, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Butterflies in Me is a very current and important book for children about mental health. Not only does it explain about topics relating to what some children are going through but it emphasises to the child that they have done nothing wrong.
Mental health is at crisis point today especially since Covid19. There was little support before the epidemic never mind during and after it. Mental health can affect anyone of any age and in a world such as today we all need kindness, support and encouragement. This book offers all of these things - for children.
The topics covered in this book are anxiety, depression, loss, ADHD and domestic violence.
I encourage any parent of a child experiencing any of these things to share this book with their child and encourage a safe place to share it in. Schools would immensely benefit from this book too!
Butterflies in Me is a very current and important book for children about mental health. Not only does it explain about topics relating to what some children are going through but it emphasises to the child that they have done nothing wrong.
Mental health is at crisis point today especially since Covid19. There was little support before the epidemic never mind during and after it. Mental health can affect anyone of any age and in a world such as today we all need kindness, support and encouragement. This book offers all of these things - for children.
The topics covered in this book are anxiety, depression, loss, ADHD and domestic violence.
I encourage any parent of a child experiencing any of these things to share this book with their child and encourage a safe place to share it in. Schools would immensely benefit from this book too!
February 16, 2022
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.
*I received an eCopy to review
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.
*I received an eCopy to review
January 22, 2022
BUTTERFLIES IN ME: AN ANTHOLOGY BRINGING AWARENESS TO MENTAL HEALTH by Denisha Seals, Boys Town Press. Features four children -- one with anxiety, another with depression, a third who can't sit still, and the last who suffers physical abuse at home. An inspiring tale that gives hope to young readers (grades K-8) facing tough times. Out January 25.
December 17, 2021
This collection includes stories of four children who experience various challenges--domestic violence, anxiety, ADHD, and depression, among other things. The stories are matter-of-fact and don't shy away from the traumas experienced by the children, but they're told in a kid-friendly way. It's especially good that each of the children eventually confides in a trusted adult is supported and given help (and that the readers get to see exactly what that help entails).
This would be a wonderful resource for guidance counselors, school psychologists, and resource officers as it would be very helpful for kids in similar situations to read a story that puts into words what's happened to them and reminds them that they're not the only one.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
This would be a wonderful resource for guidance counselors, school psychologists, and resource officers as it would be very helpful for kids in similar situations to read a story that puts into words what's happened to them and reminds them that they're not the only one.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
December 20, 2021
This is an immensely important book about children who are "special, strong and did nothing wrong".
A book with fascinating illustrations, discussing various mental health issues affecting children. The language of the stories is honest and simple, and they help you get a better understanding of the feelings and emotions of vulnerable kids. A truly uplifting and inspiring book, and I do hope it arrives to those children and young adults who need it most.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boy Town Press for an Advance Reading Copy.
A book with fascinating illustrations, discussing various mental health issues affecting children. The language of the stories is honest and simple, and they help you get a better understanding of the feelings and emotions of vulnerable kids. A truly uplifting and inspiring book, and I do hope it arrives to those children and young adults who need it most.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boy Town Press for an Advance Reading Copy.
March 3, 2022
This is an aesthetically beautiful book, which conveys calm and serenity. It is written with simplicity and in a clear and direct language that children can easily understand without the help of an adult. The examples are very well selected and in each case highlight the situation precisely.
Butterflies In Me once again highlights the importance of normalizing the issue of mental illness. To address it in different contexts according to the target audience, but always in a clear and direct way. But it also opens a door to dialogue and hope. It encourages those who need it to seek help, advice and information.
Reseña completa en: https://libroshappy.org/butterflies-i...
Butterflies In Me once again highlights the importance of normalizing the issue of mental illness. To address it in different contexts according to the target audience, but always in a clear and direct way. But it also opens a door to dialogue and hope. It encourages those who need it to seek help, advice and information.
Reseña completa en: https://libroshappy.org/butterflies-i...
February 13, 2022
Do you have a child who is suffering emotionally? Do you know how to recognize when they need professional help? In this anthology parents, teachers and young readers will see they are not alone and that it is okay to ask for and get help.
Javier is fourteen and had dealt with an abusive parent. He was bruised on the outside and inside. When he received the help he needed, he was slowly able to soar like a butterfly. Kenya is seven and had emotional scars on the outside and inside. She had a scar on her face that kids would make fun of, in addition to that, she lost her mother. With the help of her father and a therapist she would be able to eventually soar like a butterfly. Lulu is twelve years old and lost her grandmother. She had a problem dealing with her grief. With the help of her parents and a therapist she would be able to soar like a beautiful butterfly.
Author Denisha Seals is also an artist and filmmaker. She is a survivor of abuse as a child and with this anthology is bringing about awareness for other victims especially children of color. Parents and teachers can share these stories to educate and offer help to those in need.
Javier is fourteen and had dealt with an abusive parent. He was bruised on the outside and inside. When he received the help he needed, he was slowly able to soar like a butterfly. Kenya is seven and had emotional scars on the outside and inside. She had a scar on her face that kids would make fun of, in addition to that, she lost her mother. With the help of her father and a therapist she would be able to eventually soar like a butterfly. Lulu is twelve years old and lost her grandmother. She had a problem dealing with her grief. With the help of her parents and a therapist she would be able to soar like a beautiful butterfly.
Author Denisha Seals is also an artist and filmmaker. She is a survivor of abuse as a child and with this anthology is bringing about awareness for other victims especially children of color. Parents and teachers can share these stories to educate and offer help to those in need.
Read
January 23, 2022This is a very important book that offers hope and healing for kids suffering from mental health problems. It's about kids who are "special, strong and did nothing wrong." It calls attention to the stress and oftentimes overwhelming emotions that many kids are facing in their daily lives causing them to feel helpless and trapped. They are unable to escape to a happier and safer place to grow up in.
Four children are highlighted who are immersed in situations that are beyond their control to remedy... domestic violence, ADHD, depression and a sense of hopelessness. The stories are told in simple, understandable language enriched by realistic colourful illustrations. This book inspires kids to confide in a trusted adult who will be able to provide support and give help to them. The adult can assure them that it is NOT their fault and that help is available.
"Butterflies in Me: An Anthology Bringing Awareness to Mental Health" is a wonderful resource for guidance counselors, psychologists, and teachers. It would be a wonderful addition in a classroom and a school library. The book provides hope to those suffering and lets kids know they are not alone. I highly recommend this book.
Four children are highlighted who are immersed in situations that are beyond their control to remedy... domestic violence, ADHD, depression and a sense of hopelessness. The stories are told in simple, understandable language enriched by realistic colourful illustrations. This book inspires kids to confide in a trusted adult who will be able to provide support and give help to them. The adult can assure them that it is NOT their fault and that help is available.
"Butterflies in Me: An Anthology Bringing Awareness to Mental Health" is a wonderful resource for guidance counselors, psychologists, and teachers. It would be a wonderful addition in a classroom and a school library. The book provides hope to those suffering and lets kids know they are not alone. I highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2022
"I am special, strong, and I did nothing wrong." is the theme of this book. It's a wonderful gem of a book featuring a diverse cast of characters, and it attempts (and seems to succeed) at being culturally sensitive to different belief structures.
The book tackles heavy issues like abuse (and PTSD), physical differences (and social anxiety), immigration, loneliness, adjusting to school culture/ rules (and ADHD), and death and grief (and depression).
Through the stories of the children included, it encourages readers to seek help from parents, therapists, and school administration, and to be honest about their worries and hurts. It also reassures them that there is nothing wrong with suffering from mental illness - that they are not at fault, and that they can be free: "Fly, butterfly, fly."
The book tackles heavy issues like abuse (and PTSD), physical differences (and social anxiety), immigration, loneliness, adjusting to school culture/ rules (and ADHD), and death and grief (and depression).
Through the stories of the children included, it encourages readers to seek help from parents, therapists, and school administration, and to be honest about their worries and hurts. It also reassures them that there is nothing wrong with suffering from mental illness - that they are not at fault, and that they can be free: "Fly, butterfly, fly."
January 15, 2022
In a culture that praises positivity and shuns sensitivity as a sign of weakness, Butterflies in Me is the warm hug of acceptance that children need to navigate through the perils of feeling different. Denisha Seals does an incredible job of compiling realistic, complex situations that so many children face with the understanding that while life can be hard, children are strong, resilient and never at fault. Working in a public school, adding the pandemic onto preexisting traumas, I can attest that this is the book all children need to know they are never alone. I loved that while there were not empty promises of problems evaporating, there was hope that they will get better and that there is always someone in their corner to care.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2022
I'll preface by saying I definitely have a bias: I know Denisha Seals. She is an amazing, talented author and documentarian.
Her latest book is a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written children's book that tackles the delicate subject of children's mental health, specifically children who are dealing with anxiety, loss, and even trauma.
In four stories, "Butterflies in Me" tells the stories of four resilient characters who cope with depression, verbal abuse, and loss. However, Seals' prose and Gabhor Utomo's illustrations, which shifts from realistic settings to whimsical fantasy, fills the stories with an inspirational message. "Butterflies in Me" is an excellent, uplifting children's book, deserving to be on any kids' bookshelf.
Her latest book is a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written children's book that tackles the delicate subject of children's mental health, specifically children who are dealing with anxiety, loss, and even trauma.
In four stories, "Butterflies in Me" tells the stories of four resilient characters who cope with depression, verbal abuse, and loss. However, Seals' prose and Gabhor Utomo's illustrations, which shifts from realistic settings to whimsical fantasy, fills the stories with an inspirational message. "Butterflies in Me" is an excellent, uplifting children's book, deserving to be on any kids' bookshelf.
January 27, 2024
Very good explanation on a child's level of advocates and helpers, and how to talk to them.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews