In The Doll Box, Isla explores her family's history through her mother's captivating stories of courageous women. With each tale, she finds inspiration, realizing that the strength of her ancestors lives within her too.
“A sweet and moving look at five generations of women in a family and their strength throughout history.”
“Deborah Kelly translated her own heritage into the dolls. She passed these stories onto her daughter. The book shares family stories fostering ‘girl power’ built on generations of self-reliance. Illustrated by Joanna Bartel, the beautiful end papers and floral designs supplement the story..”
“A beautiful story of the courage, bravery and strength that echoes through our lives from those that have gone before us. They are the stories that shape us and guide us as we grow. My youngest daughter took it and asked if she could keep it in her room. That’s high praise!”
“With charming illustrations and a small amount of text, this story contains a powerful message of bringing the past alive and the realisation that we are an amalgam of those who went before us.”
“We have been loving this new release book written by Deborah Kelly and illustrated by Joanna Bartel.‘Whenever Isla’s mother brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the women in her family’s past. Their incredible tales of immigration, war, and fighting for their rights show Isla the strength she has in herself and lead her on a journey of self-discovery’”
“This has CBCA Book of the Year nominee written all over it, and my review copy will be going to my own granddaughters to not only inspire them but to remind them never to forget whose shoulders they stand on.”
“A very beautiful and sweet story about a little girl who learns how brave and strong her maternal grandmothers were ... this book will open conversations about our ancestors and about how we can be inspired by the lives of others. A delightful book on so many levels.”
“Superbly written. An Inspiring story for all children and adults to reflect on the family members who have come before them. Kelly and Bartel have created one of the year’s most memorable and distinctive picture books.”
“It’s hard to choose which is more stunning in , with equally delightful words and illustrations to mesmerise youngsters. The wonderful tale aims to inspire young readers, particularly girls, to find their inner strength and resilience and connect with their heritage and ancestors.”
“What makes a strong role model for girls? Deborah Kelly found the answer in her own heritage, in the pages of history, and in the inspiring individuals who, despite adversity, discovered their own courage and resilience. The Doll Box is a testament to their stories, lovingly passed from mother to daughter, empowering the next generation of strong women.”
“This is a story of strong women achieving their dreams, stepping up to huge challenges and being strong for their families. This legacy of strength lives on in Isla. Girl power at its best.”
“These women’s stories help encourage Isla to be brave and strong, and this sweet tale will help instil girl power in your little one too.”
“With the present-day interest in family ancestry in mind, here is a poignant story about three maternal generations of women, their personal stories of resilience, strength and self-belief in overcoming life challenges, and a little girl who draws inspiration from these forebears, to overcome some personal fears..”
“A special story about the legacy of brave and strong women and female empowerment. I love the way @ekbooksforkids publish these important stories about subjects that matter. Can’t wait to see what’s next!.”
“When I picked this book up I thought this is totally something I would have read when I was a kid, just off the cover alone. I love the back - it says To girls who are brave and strong, from women who believed. This one definitely gets a 10 out 10!”
“A story about the power within. Isla’s small, blue tin, which belonged to her mother, contains three dolls. They provide a source of comfort to her, but they also provide Isla with three stories about women from generations before her. Their stories of immigration, war and the feminist movement show Isla the strength that the women from her family had, and this reflects in her own life in the present day.”
“Deborah Kelly’s stirring story reminds kids aged four to eight that they are not alone in the world – they are riding on the shoulders of the daring, diligent and determined family members who have come before them. Ideal for kids who are reluctant to try things – especially if they’ve had a negative experience – The Doll Box will encourage them to look inside and find the generational resilience”
“The Doll Box is a story about the power within. Written by Deborah Kelly, this reflective narrative, shows kids that courage and determination will get you far. It also shows that family histories give us a sense of belonging, and gives us positivity to face our own challenges.”
A poignant story about a child finding her own inner strength, courage and resilience by drawing inspiration from the generations of women that came before her.
Whenever Isla’s mother brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the women in her family’s past. Touching on themes of immigration, war and the feminist movement, their lives show Isla the incredible things women can achieve, and the strength she has inside herself.
Inspired by the author''s own family, this book echoes the timeless power of familial bonds and personal histories that instil courage and determination in each new generation. It underscores the belief that sharing family stories can foster a sense of belonging, and provide strength to face life''s adversities.
What makes a strong role model for girls? Deborah Kelly found the answer in her own heritage, in the pages of history, and in the inspiring individuals who, despite adversity, discovered their own courage and resilience. The Doll Box is a testament to their stories, lovingly passed from mother to daughter, empowering the next generation of strong women.
- | Author: Deborah Kelly, Joanna Bartel
- | Publisher: Exisle Publishing
- | Publication Date: Jul 03, 2024
- | Number of Pages:
- | Language:
- | Binding: Hardback
- | ISBN-13: 9781922539700
- | ISBN-10: 1922539708