The Doll Box

by Deborah Kelly, Joanna Bartel (Illustrator)

Overview

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 Islas mother brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the women in her familys 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781922539700
Publisher:	Exisle Publishing
Publication date:	07/23/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	6 - 12 Years

About the Author

Deborah Kelly is the author of several popular picture books for children as well as junior fiction, middle grade and young adult titles. She also writes Haiku poetry, inspired by living in Japan for two years. Born in New Zealand, Deb now lives in Australia with her two children.

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. Since becoming a mother to three small children, Joanna is now balancing family life with her other great loves of drawing and writing.

Editorial Reviews

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..”
- Reading Time – Children’s Book Council of Australia

 “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!”
-Can You Tell Me A Story (via Instagram)

“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.” 
- Blue Wolf Reviews

“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"
-All The Mumery (via Instagram 24K followers) 

“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.”
-The Bottom Shelf 

“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.” 
 -Magpies Magazine

“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.”
-Maggie Dent (via Instagram 142K followers) 

“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..”
  - Story Links         

“A sweet and moving look at five generations of women in a family and their strength throughout history.”
- Novel Insight 

“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!.” 
- Picture Book Book Club

“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!”
- Reading With A Chance of Tacos podcast 

“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.”
- Get Kids Booked

 “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” 
- Buzz Words Magazine

“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.” 
  -Get Kids Booked (via Instagram) 

“Exquisite in every way” 
-Kids’ Book Review

From the Publisher