Kamillah the Butterfly

Kamillah the Butterfly is an Islamic audiobook for young children about a hungry caterpillar who is worried about the changes in her body, and the beautiful surprise that Allah has in store for her.

One morning Kamillah wakes up very hungry. From then on she spends every day munching through leaves, big and small, and she grows bigger and bigger. Worried and glum, she asks her friend Bilkis the butterfly what is happening to her. Bilkis knows, and smiles. You will be flying in a while, she says. Kamillah is puzzled: she is a caterpillar, she has no wings, and she certainly does not fly. All in good time, says Bilkis.

Kamillah is so tired that she falls into a deep sleep, and as she sleeps she is wrapped in a chrysalis. Two weeks go by, and colours bloom through her body. Then, pop! She comes out of the chrysalis, stretches and finds that she has grown wings. Mashallah, she says, look how colourful they are. Bilkis reminds her that Allah has made us all in different shapes, sizes and colours, and that along the way we are given beautiful surprises.

The story helps children who are facing a change, like growing up or starting something new, to be patient and to trust that change can bring something good. It also shows, simply, how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. It is written by Shoohada Khanom, illustrated by Harriet Rodis and narrated by Paul Panting. It takes about three minutes and is music-free.