The Blue Butterfly of Cochin - Hardcover

by Ariana Mizrahi (Author), Siona Benjamin (Illustrator)

A lyrical, deeply moving story of heritage, migration, and belonging -- inspired by the true history of the Jewish community of Cochin, India.

When young Leah learns that her family will soon leave their beloved city of Cochin, India, to move to Israel, her heart is torn between excitement and sorrow. Comforted by a magical blue butterfly, Leah comes to understand that home is not just a place -- it's the stories and memories we carry with us.

Written by Ariana Mizrahi in collaboration with the Indian Jewish Heritage Center and illustrated by the celebrated artist Siona Benjamin, The Blue Butterfly of Cochin celebrates the enduring strength of Jewish identity and the beauty of multicultural life.

Perfect for classrooms, story hours, and family reading during Jewish holidays or Indian cultural celebrations.

This book was a National Jewish Book Award Finalist

Author Biography

Ariana Mizrahi is a writer, teacher, director, and doctorate candidate in education leadership and innovation at The Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration at Yeshiva University in New York City. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ariana enjoys reflecting on her diverse background as a proud Hispanic Jew. Ariana is also the Director of Hebrew Language Instruction at Yeshiva Har Torah in Little Neck, New York. Ariana lives in Brooklyn New York with her husband and three children.

Illustrator Siona Benjaminis a painter from Mumbai, now living in the United States. Her work reflects her background as a Jew raised in a Hindu and Muslim India. Siona has a MFA in painting and a second MFA in theater set design. She was awarded two Fulbright Fellowships, one in India and a second in Israel. She has exhibited her work in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Siona does private and public art commissions, while also selling and exhibiting in galleries and museums. In 2021 she illustrated the children's picture book, I Am Hava: A Song's Story of Love, Hope and Joy by Freda Lewkowicz.