Flowing silk flies behind a young princess as she lovingly says good-bye to the "many splendors" of her father's kingdom. "Goodbye, pink peach petals. Goodbye, yellow moon". After summer she must venture far away from all she knows to wed the king of Khotan. But not all of her adored home is left behind as she secretly carries a little piece of it with her.

Author Biography

Deborah Noyes writes for both children and adults. She is the author of several picture books, including Hana in the Time of the Tulips (9780744557923). Of Red Butterfly, she says, "I'm a huge fan of poets like Li Bai and Tu Fu and tried to use the traditional tone and images of ancient Chinese poetry to narrate a historic act of rebellion." Deborah lives in Massachusetts, USA. Sophie Blackall has illustrated several children's books and has also animated for TV. Her books include Meet Wild Boars by Meg Rosoff, and Ruby's Wish. Of Red Butterfly, she says, "It was such a delight to delve into ancient China. From the moment I first read this story, my mind has been dancing with red butterflies and peach blossoms, lotus pools and autumn moons, princesses and secrets." Sophie lives in New York, USA.