Unknowingly, the seed for a children’s book was planted in the back of Aubrey Betz’s mind when she was just a child herself.
Lessons she and her sister learned while visiting their grandparents in Arkansas have now been translated to paper in the form of text and illustrations that help impart to children the importance of having confidence in one’s own abilities, while maintaining a mindset and determination on the road to your dreams.
“Alex and the Butterflies” inspires children to never think, “I’m too shy, I’m too little or I can’t,” but to persevere and try again.
Betz was originally intrigued by butterflies – the stars of her newly completed book – at her grandfather’s funeral.
“My grandpa passed away in 1999 from cancer,” Betz said. “At his funeral, a butterfly landed on my grandma’s shirt and stayed there for the whole service. About seven years later, I woke up one morning to a butterfly on my window. It was the seventh anniversary of my grandpa’s death.”
In her college essay, she wrote about experiences she had with her grandfather (which all taught her perseverance). Then, in 2019, she decided to give her niece, Josephine, a Christmas gift that had a deeper meaning. She decided to write a book for her, and the memory of that essay came to mind. “Alex and the Butterflies” is the result, with Alex, the protagonist in the story, named after her sister (Josephine’s mom). Josephine also appears in the book as Alex’s older sister, Jo.
The story takes Alex – who wants to emulate her older sister – on a journey led by two butterflies, who demonstrate the importance of never giving up.
“They (my grandparents) would never really impart lessons verbally, but gave us lessons through experiences,” Betz said. “I particularly remember one visit when my grandma sat outside with us and showed us a line of ants. She told us how strong they were and brought out a piece of cheese, which we broke into tiny pieces and watched them carry away. As kids we were so impressed! How did they do this when they were so tiny?
“I also recall a time when they showed us a nest with baby birds who were at that point when they were ready to start trying to fly. I think one fell out of the nest, and my grandparents scooped it back up and put it in the nest to try again. It was such a perfect metaphor that I didn’t understand until my grandpa passed away and I wrote my college essay about them,” she added.
To help bring the book to life, Betz worked with Allie Daigle, who created the colorful illustrations. St. Louisan Hannah McDonald wrote a song, “I Can Do Big Things” that embodies the story’s message, and is included as a download with every book purchased, serving as further inspiration for children. St. Louis crochet artist, Joanna Lilly, created a companion “Alex” doll, which can be purchased separately.
Betz has also partnered with local nonprofit, The Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation, who will receive 15% of profits.
“(I chose Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation), first and foremost, because of the emotional and financial support they provide to families facing the unimaginable challenge of a little one with a heart condition,” she said. “But it was also very important to me that whatever organization I worked with was local.”
Current plans are to hold a nontraditional book signing and demonstration on Sunday, Aug. 8, when the Missouri Department of Conservation will provide butterfly education and release as part of the presentation. It will also feature a book reading and song performance. There will be a $5 charge to attend, and pre-registration is required. Updates on the event can be found by following Betz’s Facebook author page at facebook.com/aubreybetzauthor.
When asked if the project has inspired her to write more children’s books, Betz said she has enjoyed stretching herself and learning about the process.
“I’m thinking about making a series of books to share the things I’ve learned that have helped to make me successful and happy,” she said. “For example, how to change perspective when looking at a challenge and instead, seeing it as an opportunity.”
Betz is currently a district manager at Massage Envy, and is married with two boys of her own, ages 3 and 5.
“Alex and the Butterflies” can be pre-ordered now at aubreybetzauthor.com, and will soon be available in local bookstores and online at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
So impressed with Aubrey’s and Hannah’s work, and look forward to receiving my copy of their book!