The Mosaic (Deborah Kelly, illus Nicky Johnston, EK Books)
In Deborah Kelly’s The Mosaic, Frankie struggles to come to terms with the changes in her family that started the day her mother’s favourite vase broke into pieces. Kelly (Little Horses, The Chalk Rainbow) tells the story from the child’s perspective and touches on the complexity of relationships, alluding to parental separation (‘Dad went away’), as well as depression (‘Mama stayed in bed … and Nan came to stay’) and the sadness children can feel when their family dynamics shift. The book also shows young readers that, much like a puzzle, different people play different parts in a family and that amid changing circumstances, love remains unchanged. Illustrator Nicky Johnston (Nature’s Song) is passionate about promoting mental health in children through her work. Her illustrations depict everyday settings for children to relate to, such as the family home, family photos, and memorable moments, such as bike riding and baking, evoking a strong sense of place and belonging. The Mosaic explores emotional resilience and connects it to the power that art has to express and make sense of our world and ultimately bring about healing. This book fits alongside titles such as Davina Bell’s Under the Love Umbrella and will be enjoyed by children aged 3+.
Books+Publishing reviewer: M H Alessandrino is a Perth-based freelance writer and reviewer. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews