The Blue Butterfly of Cochin
by Ariana Mizrahi and illustrated by Siona Benjamin
March 19, 2024, Kalaniot Books
32 pages
I’m a creature of habit. I resist change with all my might. When I write I have a designated spot and full on ritual to get things going. So moving countries is pretty incomprehensible to me. Most children are likely more flexible than I am, although a shift from routine can be pretty upsetting for them too. Which is why The Blue Butterfly Of Cochin, a vibrant picture book from Ariana Mizrahi and Siona Benjamin, is likely to catch their imagination.
Leah, the stories protagonist, finds out that her family must move from their beloved Cochin India to Israel. While they are exciting about the future, they are also leaving behind everything they know – including their beloved historic Synagogue. Leah is comforted by a magical blue butterfly that appears to accompany her, and reminds her that her memories will always help her create a home, wherever she is, even when adjusting feels hard.
The illustrations in The Blue Butterfly of Cochin contain a stunning riot of colors. They are breathtaking, especially the depiction of the synagogue, and also take into account Leah’s cultural heritage. I found the book worth a look just for the art alone. However, the accompanying text also deserves a read. The children who listened to me read the book aloud were interested in learning about the Jews of Cochin, and wondered how many other places in the world they might find Jews. They found some similarities with Leah, but also had a lot of questions about her life. It was an engaging conversation.
The Blue Butterfly of Cochin invites children to explore how Jews have lived in a variety of countries they might have thought of before- sometimes for hundreds of years! It is also a feast for the eyes, which definitely helps the adult reader stay engaged. Sometimes change isn’t such a bad thing, and it was helpful to have that reminder.