The Doll Box

Isla was a typical young girl: she enjoyed her favourite things, like her mama’s blue box of dolls, but struggled with other things, like climbing up the climbing frame. One day when Isla was upset at her struggles, her mother opened up the special blue box and shared with Isla the story of the three dolls inside. The dolls represented three special women and their stories of struggles in bygone eras are able to inspire Isla to meet her challenges.

When I picked up this book I did not realise from the cover what inspiration lay within, but it is actually right there in that first illustration on the outside of the book. Illustrator Joanna Bartel cleverly weaves the magic of childhood with author Deborah Kelly's message of strength, ambition and determination into a truly delightful story. The memories of family in the past are presented in monochrome to separate them from the present but hold such a lot of detail. Deborah Kelly shares a powerful message through this supportive encouraging mother within a fitting narrative. The gentleness of the text is appropriate to the theme.

While this book may be seen as empowering to girls I see it as a great read for any audience of children.