INTERVIEW WITH CRYSTAL Z LEE

Topic: Writing an “Own Voices” Story

Q: What was your inspiration for Kai the Dancing Butterfly? Why butterflies?

A: Taiwan has over 400 species of butterflies, 50 of which are endemic to the island! Taiwan is also home to the beautiful purple crow butterfly population, which makes up one of the planet’s largest butterfly migration overwintering congregation. My children and I adore butterflies, so I was inspired to write a children’s book about this unique butterfly species from Taiwan, where I grew up as a child. The illustrator, Allie Su, was also raised in Taiwan, so this is very much as “own voices” story!

Q: What was your inspiration for the emphasis on Taiwanese Indigenous tribal clothing in the illustrations? 

A: Along with illustrator Allie Su, we researched special Taiwanese Indigenous attire and incorporated them into the story. It’s our hope that this story can shed light on the plight of Indigenous tribes in Taiwan.

Q: Why was writing this book so important or personal for you?

A: I grew up in Taipei and had always dreamt of sharing the beautiful sights and facets of Taiwan in a book. There are some excellent children’s books about Taiwan out on the market right now, but most of them focus on holidays, relatives, or food. I love all of these aspects too, but wanted to highlight Taiwan’s natural scenic wonders and amazing animal species!

Q: Fun facts about Taiwan you’d like to share?

A: -Taiwan is the size of Belgium but has twice as many people.

     -Taiwan ranked as the eighth-strongest democracy in the world, according to the     Economist Intelligence Unit’s new 2021 Democracy Index.

     -Taiwan implements a National Health Insurance program which is considered one of the best universal healthcare systems in the world. 

     -Half a million people in Taiwan identify with a Taiwanese Indigenous tribe.

     -Taiwan is home 400 butterfly species, 50 of which are endemic. 

Q: Favorite Taiwanese films based in Taiwan?

A: Some recent Taiwanese movies I’ve enjoyed: American Girl, Dear Ex, My Missing Valentine.

Q: Tell us about your personal history with Taiwan.

A: My paternal great-grandfather was a journalist in Taiwan who aided the anti-Japanese colonial efforts. My maternal great-grandfather was a school principal in Taichung, and my maternal grandmother was a teacher in Taipei. My maternal grandfather worked at a bank, and his brother was a famous painter who held gallery shows. I grew up hearing all of their stories.