The Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast

"The Butterfly's Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast" by R.M. Ballantyne is a charming children’s book written during the Victorian era, specifically in the mid-19th century. This delightful work belongs to the genre of children's literature and features whimsical storytelling aimed at entertaining very young readers. The book showcases a gathering of various insects and small animals who come together to celebrate at a feast, offering a light-hearted exploration of themes such as friendship, togetherness, and the joys of nature. In this enchanting narrative, the trumpeter Gadfly invites a colorful assemblage of insects, including butterflies, beetles, and grasshoppers, to a festive ball. The characters each have their unique personalities and quirks, adding humor and warmth to the story. They share a bountiful meal laid out under a grand oak tree, featuring a mushroom table set with delicious treats, befitting of their vegetarian feast. As the evening progresses, the revelry ensues with dances, music, and playful antics, despite a few comedic mishaps caused by the lively atmosphere. Through its engaging prose and lively characters, the book offers young readers a whimsical glimpse into the magical world of nature and encourages the spirit of camaraderie during communal celebrations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Michael Ballantyne was a Scottish author of juvenile fiction, who wrote more than a hundred books. He was also an accomplished artist: he exhibited some of his water-colours at the Royal Scottish Academy.