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Synopsis
A moving and uplifting tale of two children and their parents, and the beloved pet doves that help them to understand one another.
"Fei, fei — fly, fly, little birds, but always come home to me!"
Mei-Mei and Di-Di are head-over-heels in love with their new doves. Like devoted parents, the siblings tenderly nurture Butterfly and Squeaky as they grow from chicks to fledglings to birds. But when Mei-Mei and Di-Di arrive home to find that the doves have disappeared, their young hearts break into a thousand pieces — and they run away, determined to reclaim their beloved birds. Will Mei-Mei and Di-Di return home with the doves before they break their own parents’ hearts?
Children's Literature
Two children from China, Mei-Mei and Di-Di, find out what it is like to be parents, feeling both love and apprehension for the safety their children. Their children just happen to be Butterfly and Squeaky, two white doves they have cared for and raised. When the birds are taken away, Mei-Mei and Di-Di go to find them, leaving their own parents at home sick with the same worry that the children feel for their doves. When the all parties realize that they share a common concern, a bond of understanding is formed that strengthens their relationship. The storytelling and illustrations are done in the style of an old folktale, giving the book a wistful and somehow peaceful feeling. Set in China, the reader is transported to a land of cherry blossoms, where they celebrate the Ching Ming festival and sweep the graves of their ancestors. Many Chinese words are presented along with their English counterparts, further immersing the reader in the Chinese culture. This timeless story about the love of parents for their children translates into any language and applies to any culture. Read in the young classroom to talk about China, to discuss families, or to help children gain an understanding of paternal love. Alternatively, read it at home to share a loving moment with your own child. Reviewer: Carly Reagan