Elly MacKay

I was lucky enough to come across Butterfly Park by Elly Mackay a couple of months ago at Chapters Bookstore in Victoria, B.C. The illustrations are so enthralling and the time and detail put into each one is incredible. It is worth having a look at Elly's process for creating illustrations, which involves careful cutting of paper, painting, setting up of scenes and then photography. The images are whimsical and colourful with a balance of clear and soft focus.

Moving to a new town, the main character must leave behind the things she loves. She particularly misses the butterflies and must find a way to adapt and make friends in her new town which at first, appears quite bleak and grey. By the end, she creates and discovers friendship and beauty in Butterfly Park. And she finally feels at home in her new surroundings.

The story and images work together beautifully. The page turns are suspenseful and the story is totally relatable for young children. The story is a celebration of friendship, community, beauty, and change.… (mere)