A Cow and a Butterfly

written by Melissa McGavock illustrated by Amy Winters

Leaves illustrated by the dear friends and family that helped make this book possible.

Dedication from Melissa: For Avery and Audrey, may you have the greatest adventures and create friendships that last forever. Know you are loved, no matter what life has in store for you in the moment. Find strength in one another and always keep your head up, as if you’re wearing a magnificent wreath of butterflies. from Amy: To my sweet family made of adventure and laughter. Thank you for loving me no matter the season. I hope that your life has moments where you are the butterfly on fabulous adventures, but also moments of home, where stability, love and family make your world go round.

written by Melissa McGavock illustrated by Amy Winters A Cow and a Butterfly All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

A Cow and a Butterfly Press www.acowandabutterfly.com ISBN: 978-0-692-82085-8 Library of Congress Control Number: 2017913725 © 2017 by Melissa McGavock Cover / Interior design © 2017 by Amy Winters First Edition

Hi, Kadee!

How are you this morning?

I’m happy, Cici, but I’m hungry!

1

I know hay is your favorite, but I could really go for a new tree leaf right now.

Would you take me to the magnificent tree along the fence?

2

Roxanne, the most beautiful of the butterflies is nearby.

3

You know you won’t be able to depend so much on Cici when you have your wings.

When migration begins, I hope you’re really ready to be a butterfly.

4

She’s right, Cici.

What if I can’t keep up?

What if I’m not ready?

Don’t listen to Roxanne...

You will be the greatest butterfly.

5

Just think of all the magnificent adventures you’ll have!

6

Cici began to wonder what she would do without Kadee on the farm.

Maybe she could have wings, too?

She decided to walk to the barn and talk with her mother.

7

Can I have wings, mama?

Kadee will have her’s soon and we have magnificent adventures ahead.

8

We are dairy cows, Cici. It is our job to make milk.

Soon, you’ll join me on this side of the fence and live with all the other lady cows.

...And that’s it?

I move to the other side of the fence and make milk?

9

10

Our job is to stay, but you always have friends and family nearby.

Rest now, Cici. Everything is going to be alright.

Goodnight, dear. I love you!

Cici wishes for magnificent adventures with wings of her own.

11

12

Just look at all the magnificent butterflies, Kadee.

You will have the greatest adventures!

13

14

Cici, I feel very sleepy...

I’m so tired, I’m not even hungry.

Would you take me to the magnificent tree?

Maybe I just need a little nap.

Kadee finds the most comfortable branch and begins to nap.

15

Cici, look... It’s happened!

I have my wings, the great migration begins!

I promise to always find my way home to the magnificent tree and to you, my dearest friend.

16

I’ll miss you, Kadee.

I’ll be heading to the other side of the fence tomorrow to join my mother and sisters.

Oh, adventure awaits... I just know it!

17

That summer was long and hot.

Cici wondered about Kadee and her magnificent adventures.

18

The dairy cows welcomed autumn’s crisp, cool air and bundled up for winter on the farm.

Cici was expecting a baby of her own.

19

Springtime had arrived.

Cici and her baby were fast asleep in the barn.

Cici heard something at the door.

Who’s there?

20

It’s me Kadee!

I have found my way home!

I have so many adventures to tell you about...

But first, I have a magnificent gift to share.

21

Kadee and the butterflies began to circle and create a magnificent wreath around Cici’s neck.

22

Oh, mama! You look so beautiful!

Thank you, sweet baby.

Truly, we are all magnificent...

Sometimes, we need a little help from our friends to find it.

23

Find Your Magnificent Life.

24

The Magnificent Story This is our story. This coming of age book illustrates the strength it takes to stay and the strength it takes to spread our wings.

Together, Cici and Kadee, experience growing pains and excitement as they anticipate life’s next adventure.

Because in life... sometimes you’re the dairy cow and sometimes you’re the butterfly.

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