Kokopelli & the Butterfly

by Michael Sterns

"Kokopelli & the Butterfly" is a book created specifically for parents and children of all ages to share together. Parents find the story to be very fulfilling, keeping them "in the moment" with their children. Children enjoy its magical, life-like illustrations and messages of love throughout. It is a love story that takes place in tribal times, centered around the main character Kokopelli. Through his intriguing adventures, the reader is delighted by the book's poignant messages of environmentalism, appreciation of nature's beauty, kindness to animals, tolerance of diversity, and peaceful conflict resolution. When Kokopelli is faced with the plight of an amazingly beautiful, caged butterfly, he must make the most important decision of his life!

Genres: Childrens, Animals

64 pages, Hardcover

First published November 10, 2000

Reviews

[Orsi]

The author of this book came to my elementary school to speak to us and he was cool! This book had amazing illustrations and I have a signed copy somewhere in my house.

[Miss Haley]

The illustrations are beautiful, the textures of them bring the story to life, and they fit the time period they portray without being overly stereotypical. The story moves rather slow and is lengthy so this isn't the best story for really young children. Kokopelli seems to lack character flaws, making him a rather unrealistic character, but the illustrations which can tell the story alone, make up for any flaws in the story itself. The lesson of care for the environment and for other is important and makes it a good story to share.

[Aaron]

Kokopelli is a neat dude. He has really absurd expectations for his love life situation. Everybody loves him, but he has such high standards for his women that he cannot escape the loneliness that haunts him as he travels the world. It is only when Kokopelli discovers evil exists that he is able to find and lose the woman of his dreams.

This book teaches children about the values of modern society. For example, it is very pro-composting and has an entire page dedicated to it. Kokopelli, a magician and sorcerer-god teaches an entire continent about this practice. Kokopelli is a pacifist, and is totally okay running away from all of his problems.

He is kind of a flat character and doesn't really learn anything. That's the one negative of his book. He is a perfect example of a Marty Sue.

[Angela]

This story is well-intentioned (protect the earth, live in harmony, etc) but it ends up feeling kind of false when a bodacious babe shows up at the end and perpetuates the "perfect princess" myth. It could have been a sweet story but the narrative is clunky and the illustrations feel artificial and cheap.

[Makayla]

A fun tale for the younger audience that teaches the importance of kindness, understanding and being careful with our environment and wildlife.