Rating: 
Summary: I have never felt a book was this important!
Review: The art and poetry contained in this book is sacred. I have never been so moved. Children are the only people in the universe with incredible hope. The voices of the innocent speak out with such power. Please buy this book. Give it to your kids and share with them the poetry of true heroes.
Rating: 
Summary: I Never Saw Another Butterfly
Review: The drawings and poems of the children of the Terezin Concentration Camp are rather surprising. It is not surprising that the works of the children are sad, yet it is amazing the amount of hope and faith that they hold. Some of the children speak of the day that they will be free and the faith of their religion that helps them through the day.
The children also tell of sunny days and times when they are playing with the friends that they make. I was taken-back by the way the children spoke of cheerful and happy experiences. One would expect that a book of this nature would reflect the dark and ugly side of Nazi concentration camps. Though there are some mentions of starvations and other atrocities that the members of the camp faced in their daily struggle to survive in hope that they will one day see their freedom.
The drawings of flowers, unity and more peaceful and tranquil times show the children's amazing talent. The bright watercolors that are used reinforces the hope and good with that the children still possess, even though confined in a place that has little more to offer than pain and suffering.
Despite the perceived despair the book should offer I found ...I Never Saw Another Butterfly... a bright spot that has emerged from the history of Nazi concentration camps.
Rating:
Summary: Humbling and inspiring like none before or after it.
Review: This book will bring out emotions and strengths you never thought you had. It should be required reading for all youth as they try to sort out what is important during the angst-filled years of searching for meaning in everyday life. The poignant poems and illustrations allow for much introspective thinking without directing it. It is also a wonderful springboard for families to use to discuss values and societal pressures. It is a great book to have on the coffee table as it appeals to all ages and it can be perused for seconds, minutes or hours. I highly recommend this title and I have given it as a gift many times. If you need inspiration, this is it
Rating:
Summary: Looking for Butterflies
Review: Volavkova edits a wonderful compilation of children's art, poetry, and prose in "I never saw another butterfly." The most remarkable fact about this book is that the material was composed by children held in the Terezin concentration camp during World War II. The book presents the children's artistic talents that were fostered in the concentration camp especially by one woman, Freidl Dicker-Brandeis. Only two suitcases of material survived the war. This book provides a unique glimpse into the lives of Jewish children during World War II. The pictures drawn and the words written by the children speak for themselves in this book. The pictures, poetry, and prose contrast wonderfully among one another. The editor does a good job in the placement of each specific work of art, joining words with pictures. The catalogs near the back of the book are helpful because they provide information about the works of art and the artists. This information would have been nice to have had while reading or examining each work. The extras added into the book are quite appropriate. The foreword by Chaim Potok gives a superior background on the town of Terezin. In addition, it provides insight into the idea of Terezin being a form of propaganda that the Nazis employed to deceive relief workers. Both the epilogue by Jiri Weil and the afterword by Vaclav Havel are poignant reminders of the horrors these children faced. This book entertained as much as it educated. It continues to serve as a reminder of consequences due to Nazi actions during World War II, especially on the lives of Jewish children.
Rating:
Summary: Looking for Butterflies
Review: Volavkova edits a wonderful compilation of children's art, poetry, and prose in "I never saw another butterfly." The most remarkable fact about this book is that the material was composed by children held in the Terezin concentration camp during World War II. The book presents the children's artistic talents that were fostered in the concentration camp especially by one woman, Freidl Dicker-Brandeis. Only two suitcases of material survived the war. This book provides a unique glimpse into the lives of Jewish children during World War II. The pictures drawn and the words written by the children speak for themselves in this book. The pictures, poetry, and prose contrast wonderfully among one another. The editor does a good job in the placement of each specific work of art, joining words with pictures. The catalogs near the back of the book are helpful because they provide information about the works of art and the artists. This information would have been nice to have had while reading or examining each work. The extras added into the book are quite appropriate. The foreword by Chaim Potok gives a superior background on the town of Terezin. In addition, it provides insight into the idea of Terezin being a form of propaganda that the Nazis employed to deceive relief workers. Both the epilogue by Jiri Weil and the afterword by Vaclav Havel are poignant reminders of the horrors these children faced. This book entertained as much as it educated. It continues to serve as a reminder of consequences due to Nazi actions during World War II, especially on the lives of Jewish children.
Rating:
Summary: I never saw.....
Review: When I went to Washington D.C. for my class trip in 8th grade, we went to the halocaust museum, and I sat and watched a video (it was on interviews with survivors of the concentration camps) and I saw that, and I realized everything that happened was terrible. I started crying and could not stop. I had to leave- when one of my teachers had seen me, they sat with me outside, and I will never forget what I saw. I was the only person crying out of my eighth grade class, the only one. 200 8th graders went in there, and none of them were as touched as I was. I know this has not much to do with the book, but thanks to the teacher who saved all the drawings, so we could see, and what we will never forget.
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