LoveReading4Kids Says
A delightful and moving exploration of grief and the joy that makes us human, from the effervescent voice of Laura Dockrill, with heartwarming full-colour illustrations from Gwen Millward.
LoveReading4Kids
About Butterfly Brain
If Roald Dahl had written A Monster Calls . . . A very special book from two rising stars Everyone is always shouting at Gus to stop leaning back in his chair - but does he care? No way!
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Butterfly Brain Synopsis
If Roald Dahl had written A Monster Calls . . . A very special book from two rising stars Everyone is always shouting at Gus to stop leaning back in his chair - but does he care? No way!
Then sure enough, the chair falls, he cracks his head and has to spend all summer in bed. Out of the crack escape his memories, dreams and imagination ... and a beautiful little butterfly guide. Gus must follow the butterfly to recapture all he's lost, including that locked box he doesn't seem to want to touch ...
Together they remember fish fingers, snapping bubble wrap, cracked pink soap and the leaky tap; they go wild, stomping around in the joy of imagination and happy dreams - but they can't go any further if Gus won't gather all of his memories. His butterfly will die unless Gus is ready to hear about his mum ... A delightful and moving exploration of grief and the joy that makes us human, from the effervescent voice of Laura Dockrill, with heartwarming full-colour illustrations from Gwen Millward.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781800780941 |
| Publication date: |
7th September 2023 |
| Author: |
Laura Dockrill |
| Illustrator: |
Gwen Millward |
| Publisher: |
Piccadilly Press an imprint of Bonnier Publishing Fiction |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
80 pages |
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Laura Dockrill Press Reviews
The language of Butterfly Brain is rich and full of vivid imagery . The absolutely stunning illustrations elevate the story further and intensify its emotional effect on the reader and are just the right blend of the darker, shadowy images of Gus's fears and the softness and warm colours of his positive memories about those most important to him. The gentleness and warmth of the final pages are powerful, overwhelmingly comforting and sensitive. -- Jenny Caddick - Reading Zone
The story is one of grief, loss but ultimately recovery as Gus can finally talk to his dad and grandmother about the secret he's kept locked inside himself. Despite the weight of issues being discussed, the verse retains its spark, offering reassurance and pointing the way to a brighter future for Gus and anyone facing the loss he's experienced. Gwen Millward's illustrations are equally accessible and emotionally true and it's a book that will prompt young readers to examine their own feelings and fears, and to understand why anger can be a response to sadness or anxiety. -- Andrea Reece - Books for Keeps
A highly original and memorable look at contemplation and grief - School Reading List
About Laura Dockrill
Laura Dockrill, a graduate of the Brit School of Performing Arts, is a performance poet, an author and an illustrator. At the age of twenty-two, she was named one of The Times’ "Top Ten Literary Stars". She is the author of the bestselling Darcy Burdock series, the first of which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year prize.
Her adult book What Have I Done is an honest memoir about suffering post-natal mental illness. Her debut picture book, and first collaboration with Maria Karipidou, was Angry Cookie. Laura lives in south-west London
Laura Dockrill is a performance poet and novelist. She has performed her work at the Edinburgh Fringe, Camp Bestival, Latitude, Bookslam and the Soho Theatre and on each of the BBC's respective radio channels, 1-6. She has been a roaming reporter for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, judged the BBC National Short Story Award, and has appeared on Blue Peter, Channel 4 News and Newsnight. Laura also teaches Guardian Masterclasses in writing for children and is on the advisory board at the Ministry of Stories.
Her books include Mistakes in the Background, Ugly Shy Girl and Echoes. Her first series for younger children, Darcy Burdock was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Lorali is her first novel for teenagers.
Laura is a judge on the Blue Peter Awards 2018: “I adored judging the Blue Peter Book Award, the nominated list was incredibly strong and made judging the prize so difficult. Which I think is a very good thing for the world of children’s books! I met wizards, talking toys with speech impediments, and was flown across the globe to marvellous new landscapes. I met big foot, uncovered mysteries and had my head blown off by space facts. It was a wonderful privilege and the shortlist is stunning!”
More About Laura Dockrill
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