Butterfly Heart follows the close friendship between two young girls. Neo and Mosa are best friends who share everything and have heart-shaped stones to remind them of their special connection. But when Mosa’s heart begins to slow, Neo must face the pain of watching her best friend struggle with an illness. As Mosa’s heart grows weaker, Neo learns about the fragility of life, the power of memories and the comfort of knowing that love never truly stops.

Through sweet, simple moments of childhood joy, Butterfly Heart gently explores themes of friendship, loss and healing. Neo holds onto her stone heart and the memory of sharing laughter with her friend. She finds solace in the fluttering butterflies that remind her that Mosa’s spirit will always be with her.

Many families and communities have their own ways of dealing with grief. But often, children are left on the sidelines, unsure of what is happening or how to feel. Butterfly Heart opens a gentle, thoughtful path for children and adults to begin talking about death and grief together.

A tender, lyrical story for young children learning to navigate grief through the enduring power of friendship.

Also available in Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, Sepedi, Sesotho, Siswati and Xitsonga.

This book was made possible with support from Biblionef and funding from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture: Mzanzi Golden Economy.