The Butterfly's Treasure: A Fable for Ages 4-8

An unlikely team of imperfect heroes sets out to fight evil. Vanity, fear, and complacency in safety get transformed by uniting for a common cause.

We are happy to announce the upcoming publication of “The Butterfly’s Treasure,” the debut picture book by Marie-Fleur Borac and Sonny Lata Yiu, set to launch in November 2025!

This isn’t just a story about a rich butterfly losing his jewels; it’s a timeless fable that explores how we define our own worth, starring the most unexpected collection of heroes. It’s a journey about overcoming fear, learning true teamwork, and finding purpose that lasts longer than any treasure.

Our story begins when a wealthy Butterfly, quite secure in his well managed life, is devastated by the loss of his friends and treasures. In his grief, he sets to retrieve the treasure from the evil witch who had laid his home to waste. His quest leads him to two creatures whose flaws are just as big as their potential:

  • an anxious chickadee: Terrified of the world and her own future, she joins the quest only because she hopes a share of the treasure will allow her to finally stay safely at home.

  • a vain unicorn: Preoccupied with his own elegance and beauty, he agrees to help, dreaming of using his portion of the bounty to buy more mirrors and shoes.

Each character is initially motivated by self-interest and insecurity. Yet, to defeat the powerful witch, this trio must learn that their unique, often overlooked, individual traits—the butterfly’s small size and maneuverability, the chickadee’s skillful jumping, and the unicorn’s strength—are the keys to victory.

Beyond the heartwarming narrative lies the stunning visual world created by Sonny Lata Yiu. Each page of “The Butterfly’s Treasure” is brought to life with hand-painted watercolor illustrations. This style gives the book a classic, gentle beauty, using luminous colors and soft textures to capture the whimsical forest, the menacing witch, and the deep emotional journeys of our three main characters. These rich, warm illustrations are designed to captivate both children and adults, making the book a beautiful, tactile experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.

We are proud to announce that our story will be accessible to families globally, published in official translations across four languages: English, German, French, and Romanian.

This translation effort ensures that children across diverse cultures can connect with the fable’s universal themes of courage, friendship, and finding strength in unexpected ways.

The true magic of The Butterfly’s Treasure lies in its heartfelt epilogue. Having faced their fears and worked as a team, our heroes are fundamentally changed. The once-anxious chickadee enrolls in flight lessons, the vain unicorn goes to college to study art, and the butterfly builds a family and watches the forest flourish without the witch’s evil influence.

This book is perfect for young readers (ages 4-8) and serves as a delightful conversation starter about:

  • The true meaning of riches and value.

  • The power of collaboration over individualism.

  • Personal growth after facing a great challenge.

The Butterfly’s Treasure is the perfect Christmas gift for the young readers in your life. Imagine the excitement as this beautiful book is unwrapped under the tree or discovered as a special stocking stuffer. With its universal themes and availability in English, French, German, and Romanian, it’s a meaningful present that encourages curiosity, empathy, and courage—the best kind of treasure to share during the holiday season.