Abstract

Essentially, butterflies and birds are in such a relationship where one is “to eat” and the other is “to be eaten.” This is a story of the newfound friendship between the two, who have totally different appearances and characters.

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Ageha, a kind of swallowtail butterfly called Chinese windmill, has relatively high self-esteem since he was raised at a primary school where the kids kept giving him compliments such as “you are beautiful” or “good boy.” Shirasagi, a big white bird called egret, has not quite fit in with the crisp fellows since she is laid back.
The two meet by chance and click with each other, and go on a journey to look for yummy flower nectar at the wish of Ageha.
Ageha tries the nectar of rhododendrons and dandelions, and finally, Shirasagi shows him the “special cherry blossoms.” It is a beautiful cherry tree like a frilled dress whose blossoms are in full bloom even though all other cherry blossoms have already fallen.
Ageha sucks nectar until he becomes full, and feels the nectar of the flower that a friend has shown him is especially tasty.

Size: 200mm×190mm

Author’s Information

Text by Minna-de-tsukuru-ehon-no-kai (meaning “Association of picture book co-creation”), known as Mintsu
This is an association based in Himeji, Hyogo whose members include an author of picture books, a professor, a former preschool teacher, a cram school tutor, an illustrator, housewives and househusbands who continue picture-book reading for years, a singer-songwriter, each having rich experience. This is the first picture book produced by Mintsu.

Illustrations by Yanami, and illustrator

Edited by Tetsu Kumagai
Being an emeritus professor at University of Hyogo, Tetsu Kumagai gives many talks about the nature and living things.