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The Doll Box
By Deborah Kelly
Illustrated by Joanne Bartel
Published by EK Books
ISBN 9781922539700
The Doll Box is a thoughtful story that is sure to inspire readers from 5 - 12 years when facing and to overcome their fears.
Through the story of a precious blue box that belongs to Isla's mum she learns about the strength and courage that the women in her family, from her great-great grandmother through to her grandmother or gaga.
This is a story that most children could relate to delightfully illustrated in a picture hardcover book. It gives an example of Isla who doesn't want to climb up the tall climbing frame at the park, because she is scared. She thinks It is too high and when she tries it she gives up, feeling sad says she doesn't feel like climbing it today.
At home she discovers the special story through a treasured blue box amongst her mother's possessions. It is not just any blue box there are dolls in it. As she peers inside Isla asks her mother about them and what makes them so special.
That is when she learns about the strong women who came before her Through their stories, how and why thye faced the fears and some overwhelming odds.
Their stories stay with Isla and when she next walks to the park with her mother and sees that climbing frame looming over her, she decides today she will try to reach the top. Halfway up, with arms and legs aching and other thoughts swirling in her mind, she also thinks of what her great-great grandmother overcame, her great grandmother and grandmother to spur her on and achieve her goal.
The Doll Box, using family history as inspiration for achieving what seems impossible, with its gorgeous illustrations showing readers that nothing is impossible.
Teachers notes are available for this book.
The author
Deborah Kelly grew up in rural New Zealand, has lived and travelled in the UK and Japan, and now lives in Australia.While being the primary carer for her children (and providing for the additional needs of one of them) Deborah has written picture books, junior fiction and middle grade fiction as well as poetry and material for the educational market. She is passionate about literacy and enjoys visiting schools, libraries and festival events to share her books with children.
The illustrator
Joanna Bartel is a designer and illustrator. Previously, she has been a graphic designer for a boutique fashion label, a senior art and design teacher and an English teacher in Melbourne and Brisbane, and a copywriter and graphic designer in marketing. Now she brings her experience in Arts education, design, teaching and creative marketing to her illustration work! Joanna particularly loves character design and creating imaginative and playful images to engage children and enhance imaginative learning.
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