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The Mosaic
by Deborah Kelly
Illustrated by Nicky Johnson
Published by EK Books
ISBN 9781922539731
Frankie was having a particularly bad day. Her mum's treasured vase broke and was lying in pieces on the floor and she didn't know what to do. She remembers that this vase was special gift to her parents in happier times and recalls the flowers it held for different celeritous and occasions. Using this story of what can be done when things break,
now that her dad had left the family home on the same day, when Frankie's Nan arrives and is helping to pick up the pieces she realises that Frankie is very sad. Rather than leaving her to be upset they set off on a drive through the countryside and arrive at a gallery where Frankie enjoys viewing the paintings.
Nan tells her to go upstairs and then, Frankie is amazed at what she sees - a breathtakingly beautiful huge picture. On closer inspection she notices that this magnificent picture is made up from many small broken pieces of pottery. Nan tells her the story of why there are so many broken piece and how it is possible to put things back together again in a different way and still preserve the memories.
Illustrated with calming pastel shade with lovely drawings of Frankie, Nan, Mum and Dad it is a delightful way to explain how broken situations, parents separating, can be navigated and memories treasured.
The Author
Deborah Kelly grew up in New Zealand but has also lived in Japan and Scotland. She is the author of numerous children’s picture books, short stories, educational readers and chapter books. These include The Chalk Rainbow and The Doll Box,. Deborah has presented her picture books to young readers in schools, libraries and also as part of literary festivals.
The illustrator
Nicky Johnston has published several bestselling and award-winning titles, including At the End of Holyrood Lane, The Fix-It Man, Grandma Forgets, The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp,
Saying Goodbye to Barkley,This is My Dad,
Upside-Down Friday and
Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination, Nicky’s illustration style is often described as whimsical, playful, narrative, emotive and colourful. She loves to work in watercolour, ink, pencils and pastel.
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