Bear wakes up after his long winter’s sleep and joins his friend, Butterfly, on a journey. Where are we going? Asks bear. All journeys have secret destinations, says Butterfly. They walk through the forest, climb a steep mountain and cross a great river. At all points, Butterfly has wisdom to offer about overcoming hardship, facing ones’ fears, or being in the moment. Bear is impatient, but he listens and mulls over Butterfly’s insights.
As they walk, the seasons change; from spring to summer and then to autumn. As the first snow begins to fall, Bear and Butterfly find themselves outside a cave. Don’t I recognise this cave? asks bear. Landscapes look different with different eyes, says Butterfly. Bear curls up, his eyes heavy. Will you be here when I wake up, he asks. In some senses yes and in some senses no, replies Butterfly. The end of one journey is the beginning of another.
This is a heartwarming book about friendship and about circles and cycles of life and being. It is a sweet and calming bedtime story that introduces Buddhist philosophies and values to young readers.