The Making of Butterflies

“Kendi and Yangni collaborate to introduce young children to the African American folklore tradition and to Hurston’s importance within that tradition.” —The Horn Book

A First Folktale from the creators of Magnolia Flower, Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, about the origin of butterflies.

The Creator wuz all finished and thru makin’ de world.

But soon, the Creator finds themselves flying through the sky, making gorgeous butterflies of every color, shape, and size.

Find out why butterflies were made in Zora Neale Hurston's stunning and layered African American folktale retold by #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award–winning author Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Kah Yangni. This accessible and sizable board book is perfect for introducing the youngest of readers to the beauty of Hurston's storytelling and will spark curiosity in children about how things in our world came to be.

[T]he artwork creates an eye-catching collage of images in every spread... Kendi expertly distills this word-of-mouth tale for young readers... An old tale is given fresh new life. - Kirkus Reviews

"This will dance off the shelves by itself, but works for Black History Month, spring roundups, highlighting poems, or just a look at the lyrical." - School Library Journal (starred review)

“Kendi and Yangni collaborate to introduce young children to the African American folklore tradition and to Hurston’s importance within that tradition.” - Horn Book Magazine