Carla approaches a favorite corner of the garden where she feels safe and happy. Her vigilant brother knows that Carla can create beautiful fantasies as she twirls around and round to music only she can hear, engaged in quiet conversation with the small creatures and her favorite flowers.
Sister Butterfly is a loving and compassionate portrayal of how to find connection with those who may think or communicate differently. Sister Butterfly, depicts a beautiful child, who is a gift to her sibling, family, and community. Even though her abilities seem different, she speaks volumes to those who listen and understand. The verse sings with joy as vibrant illustrations pop with color, drawing the reader inside this world of love. Siblings and friends will see the true beauty of knowing a child with Down syndrome, or any other disability in a new way."
Mirabella, Mike: - Encouraged by reviews of their first self published children's book, On The Luck Of An Irish Sailor, plus a Moonbeam Gold Medal Award, author Mike Mirabella and his wife Pam have decided to publish a children's book series called The Carla Stories, inspired by the amazing life accomplishments of their now-deceased Down's syndrome child. The text of Sister Butterfly mirrors the song lyrics that Mike wrote years ago when Carla was just three years of age. Sister Butterfly is beautifully illustrated by artist Amy O'Hanlon and is now available online and in book stores.The Recordings: Sister Butterfly mirrors Mike's song lyrics written long ago, including notated music and a text that holds to the themes of inclusion, belonging and compassion. In addition, a surprise bonus song, "I Am So Like You" has been included, penned by Mike with his friend Lenny Lipton (Puff The Magic Dragon). The second book of The Carla Stories is entitled I Used To Be Shy, co-written with Lenny Lipton and is scheduled for completion in 2021.All recordings, blogs and order forms can be found on our website: MirabellaBooksWithSongs.comAs a retired public school teacher living with his wife Pam in the East Bay, Mike still writes poetry, blogs, composes music and publishes children's books. Pam is a former elected public official who served on the Contra County School Board for 28 years. She continues to champion causes that promote the passage of laws that better protect the civil rights for our disabled citizens. Both Mike and Pam are available to perform their songs and speak publically at special events. They bring a message of hope for families of intellectually and physically challenged children.To learn more about Mike and Pam's vision and message of hope, please go to the Website: MirabellaBooksWithSongs.com.
O'Hanlon, Amy: - Amy O'Hanlon is from San Ramon, California, and is the only artist in a family of musicians. She began studying art at Humboldt State before running away to England in 2015 for a Master's program at Kingston School of Art. After graduating, Amy returned to the Bay Area and has since illustrated several children's books, including On the Luck of an Irish Sailor, her first project with Mike Mirabella. She has also had the opportunity to do stage projection design for several San Francisco musicals, one of which was the Bay Area Children's Theatre's She Persisted, based on the book by Chelsea Clinton. Amy is inspired by the fantasy in everyday life, and she loves nothing more than drawing all the magical things that can only be seen in the corner of her eye.
