Butterflies + Eskimos is a new children’s book based upon the story of an unlikely friendship. Bu the butterfly and her family are migrating south for the winter, when she gets separated from her crew. While on a journey to find her family, Bu meets Mo the Eskimo, who joins her on her quest, and they travel far and wide to find the other butterflies.
Drawing upon ideas from her background in interior architecture and the arts, Erika Yeaman, Principal of Everett Yeaman Designs, knew she needed to think outside the box to make this picture book truly original and resonate with all age groups. Butterflies + Eskimos’ abstract illustrations, by Los Angeles-based Susan Carter Hall, is designed to support the intellectual development of children by introducing a variety of unique shapes, textures and colors to represent the main characters.
Yeaman is also an established clothing designer, and currently offers a luxe line of cashmere and vintage silk shrugs for women. To celebrate Butterflies + Eskimos, she has launched the new “Bu + Mo” childrens’ line, comprised of mini -shrugs for children. When worn, the mini-shrugs resemble Bu the butterfly’s wings… allowing an interactive dress-up experience for little girls.
“As the idea for the book evolved, it seemed to naturally connect itself to a prior idea I had for a children’s line” said Yeaman. “The goal for the book was to create beautiful art that parents would appreciate, but that would also stimulate the minds and imaginations of the kids who look at the images each night. Most importantly, however, the story is meant to impart a lesson about the importance of being culturally unbiased and of helping others.” Along with being visually stimulating, Butterflies + Eskimos provides a fun bedtime ritual for children as well, with a “snooze time prayer” at the end of the book.
Keeping in the line of the book’s ode to friendship and whimsy, the prayer is meant to end a family’s evening routine on a loving and relaxing note. The prayer teaches the motions of the butterfly and Eskimo kiss… a tangible way of spreading a message of love for children who may be too young to verbalize these emotions to family and friends.
The inspiration for the book and mini-shrugs came from Yeaman’s daughter, Olivia, and was fueled by a desire to create a children’s book with a nod to contemporary art that all generations could appreciate. Butterflies + Eskimos is appropriate for infants through children of six years old and retails for $12.95. It can be purchased at Amazon.com or www.ButterfliesAndEskimos.com
About the Author
Erika Everett Yeaman has a fresh and unique aesthetic, evolved from her experiences in the arts. Her Everett Yeaman Designs specializes in projects ranging from residential and hospitality interior design, clothing design and manufacturing for both children and adults, and now includes a foray into children’s books with Butterflies + Eskimos. More information about Erika’s projects can be found at www.EverettYeaman.com
Our Thoughts: My children and I really enjoyed this book. The butterfly meeting the Eskimo is a unique concept and I adore the earthy, ethnic theme. The illustrations have a colorful, new age twist. They are real art and not just computer graphics. The story captures children's imaginations and teaches them the value of friendship and equality. Its a wonderful way for them to learn that ANYONE can be a friend. It doesn't matter their race, color, or creed. The book beautifully displays this concept without coming off as preachy. I would definitely recommend this book for children of all ages, whether they can read independently or need it to be read to them.
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