A White Rock mom is spreading her universal message about the power of love with her first self-published children’s book.
Miki Dawson recently published The Butterfly Castle, a story she wrote three years ago when her son was six.
She said she wanted to write a story that had a meaning he could reflect on.
“I wanted to convey a message about love and loving somebody to the point where you can let them be free and help them grow,” Dawson said.
After finally saving up the money and pooling her resources, Dawson published the book this summer.
In Dawson’s story, a slug transforms into a beautiful butterfly because of the love of a little boy.
Dawson, who is a single mom, attributes much of her success in life to her little boy, Kalyb, who is now nine-years-old.
“I’m crazy about that kid. This is definitely a way for me to express my love for him,” said Dawson. “What we have is pretty special.”
Although she has written about their experiences before, this is the first time Dawson has shared a story publicly.
Before publishing her story, she made sure her most important critic gave her a thumbs up.
“When I first read it to him he said, ‘Mommy, you should write a book!’ and I realized I already did,” said Dawson. “He’s proud of me, I can tell. I think he thinks it’s pretty neat.”
After receiving the OK from Kalyb, she published the story and has received overwhelming positive feedback for it – a shocking response to a book that started out with such humble beginnings.
“Here I am getting to share something I love and believe in – how I feel about my son – with other people who can relate with their experiences,” Dawson said.
Local readers can also relate to a prominent landmark in the story.
“I modeled the rock in my story after the huge white rock in the community,” said Dawson. “It felt like a good way to give back to the community that I love so much.”
Since the book was published, Dawson said she has received many thanks from people who were encouraged to take a more serious look at the stories they write.
“They have stories they want to write and publish and they say how inspired they are,” said Dawson. “I like that this can reaffirm or encourage people to pursue a dream – even if it’s a modest or humble dream – if they believe in it, make it happen.”
As for future books, Dawson said if the story is right, she will tell it, but it will have to be special.
The book can be purchased online at www.thebutteflycastle.com or in person at Small Ritual Coffee Society, 1237 Johnston Road and The White Rock Bread Box, 1247 Johnston Road.
