The two continue their friendship through letters even when apart. They two get along well and Millie becomes Bertie’s friend, love and confidant – someone with whom Bertie can share his life’s most precious story – that of the Butterfly Lion.

She is equally trapped in her mansion with her caretaker, a distant father and limited access to the outside world. But while he had decided to never return, a serendipitous moment takes place when he meets his future love – Millie. Finding courage, he one day is successful to escape from the school.

Years later, when Bertie is still in the boarding school, he feels the same claustrophobia amidst the schedule of bells. “All my life I’ll think of you, I promise I will. Bertie promises to find his pet – his friend one day and bring him back home to Africa. However, their story takes a sad turn then when the two are forced to separate: Bertie leaving for the UK for his education and the Butterfly Lion being sold to a Frenchman – a circus owner. What follows is the beautiful bond that develops between the lion cub and Bertie’s family – specially with Bertie who becomes an inseparable mate for the cub. Thinking the worse, the the cub could be attacked, Bertie’s protective instincts give way – almost like a paternal love – and he rushes out to rescue the cub. Until, one day – when he sees the cub all alone nearing the watering hole. This does not break his conviction though and he starts obsessing about this cub day and night. Excitedly, he goes to his parents to share the news but no one believes him. One day, he spots a white lion cub coming to the water hole with his mother.

His young heart yearns for freedom all the time but he lacks the courage to venture out. The only way he gets a glimpse of the outer world is by being on a treetop and spending endless hours gazing at the beauty of the wild lives. Most of the time, he spends time in the confines of his home as he is prohibited from venturing out into the looming dangers of the jungle in close proximity. It’s a powerful story of love, loss and freedom – but above all about HOPE! The sparkle and the invisible strength in all of us.Ī young boy, Bertie, being raised in Africa finds himself quite lonely with no friends or siblings to play with. Recipient of the 1996 Smarties book prize, The Butterfly Lion is a heart-warming story that keeps you hooked till the last page through fast-paced storytelling, vivid description of the African landscape and dramatic encounters.

The butterfly lion book cover