Butterfly Brain

The language of Butterfly Brain is rich and full of vivid imagery . The absolutely stunning illustrations elevate the story further and intensify its emotional effect on the reader and are just the right blend of the darker, shadowy images of Gus’s fears and the softness and warm colours of his positive memories about those most important to him. The gentleness and warmth of the final pages are powerful, overwhelmingly comforting and sensitive. – Jenny Caddick * Reading Zone *
The story is one of grief, loss but ultimately recovery as Gus can finally talk to his dad and grandmother about the secret he’s kept locked inside himself. Despite the weight of issues being discussed, the verse retains its spark, offering reassurance and pointing the way to a brighter future for Gus and anyone facing the loss he’s experienced. Gwen Millward’s illustrations are equally accessible and emotionally true and it’s a book that will prompt young readers to examine their own feelings and fears, and to understand why anger can be a response to sadness or anxiety. – Andrea Reece * Books for Keeps *
A highly original and memorable look at contemplation and grief * School Reading List *
An exploration of grief and how memories and love help us heal … moving and beautiful – Alice Ellerby * Juno *
Butterfly Brain is a poetic, imaginative and sensitive exploration of our innermost thoughts and emotions told in an original and fresh style accompanied by beautiful illustrations that support and add to the story. Butterfly Brain is a cautionary tale that evolves into a guide to coping with grief and loss that culminates in words of kindness, hope and comfort. – Anne Thompson * Just Imagine *

Laura Dockrill is a performance poet and novelist whose inventive and vibrant approach to life is reflected in the vividly imagined worlds she creates. Laura finds creativity in words – from poetry to novels, and scripts to song lyrics. She is author of the Carnegie Medal nominated YA novel Lorali, as well as the Darcy Burdock series (Random House) for younger readers, which was also nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2014, and My Mum is Growing Down (Faber). Laura has appeared on Blue Peter and CBeebies and is a frequent poet performer at festivals such as Glastonbury, Hay, Edinburgh and Latitude.

Children’s books are at the heart of her work. She curated The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl and Adventures in Moominland exhibitions at the Southbank Centre. She loves to visit schools and meet young readers who are as spirited as her. Laura lives in London.

Gwen was brought up in Wales. Originally she had her heart set on becoming a naturalist as she loved studying insects and drawing them. Her trips abroad when she was young are associated with finding new and strange looking creatures! After school she migrated north to Edinburgh to study art where she graduated with a First in illustration and was awarded the Helen A. Rose Bequest for art.

Gwen’s first picture book, Guess What I Found In Dragon Wood (text by Tim Knapman) was published by Puffin, as was The Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis, and a collaboration with Jenny Nimmo, The Beasties, by Egmont. She has since published many more, including two about Bear and Bird that she has written herself. Gwen has illustrated Stories from Bug Garden (Candlewick), Tiger Lily, which she wrote and illustrated, and Flat Cat, written by Hiawyn Oram.

Gwen is also the illustrator for the Charmseekers series by Amy Tree, published by Orion. She lives in Bristol with her young son.

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