Burned Butter Island, by Carlota Josefina Bérard

Burned Butter Island is a poetic fairy tale that gently transforms grief into hope, joy, and love. Set on a small island where forests meet the sea in golden, buttery hues, it tells the story of a young boy navigating the loss of his mother. Living with his sailor father, a gray cat named Bell, and a white duck named Snow, the boy’s world is filled with stories, magic, and memories.

Through encounters with a mystical white deer, a near-death rescue by a mysterious narwhal, and the discovery of his mother’s tender, hidden poem, the boy embarks on a journey from sorrow toward acceptance and newfound joy. In the rhythm of the seasons, the whisper of the sea, and the warmth of family, Burned Butter Island delicately illuminates the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

A story for children and adults alike—a luminous embrace of life after loss.