Sunday, April 5, 2009

OZ LIT REVIEW # 4 - Mending Lucille

When Mending Lucille came into The Reading Stack for review, a number of people wanted it, including me. The Stack's policy on picture books is first choice goes to reviewers with young children. I loved it enough that I bought my own copy but I'm reprinting the original review as I doubt I could say it any better.

Mending Lucille by J.R. Poulter and Sarah Davis. Hachette Children’s Books. Hardback rrp $28.99 Australian. Young Reader. Picture book.

Mending Lucille is a book to be treasured by all. It is the story of a young girl and how she copes with the loss of her mother.

The young girl relates her grief through her broken doll, Lucille. Her father can’t fix Lucille and suggests that maybe she should throw Lucille away and replace her with a new doll. Instead, the girl hides her beloved toy. She’s already lost her Mother and she’s not giving up anyone else she loves.

Then they meet Chrissie, a waitress who the little girl feels so comfortable with, she shows her Lucille. Chrissie looks after the doll while the girl and father have their tea. When Chrissie returns Lucille has been repaired. As good as new.

Mending Lucille is a story which will help any child coping with the loss of a loved one. It shows that time will heal but you never have to forget. The theme of grief is dealt with in a sensitive and age appropriate manner. The little girl is never given a name. She doesn’t need one. She is every child who has ever suffered the pain of losing someone they care about.

The illustrations are stunning and sensitive with a range of emotion so wide it sweeps off the page. Sadness and loss, hope and the warmth of a loving hug. Davis’ drawings will reach out and pull you into the story.

I loved this book.

7 comments:

Jeffery E Doherty said...

Hi Sandy,

I met Sarah Davis at last year's Festival of Children's Literature where she spoke about "Mending Lucille" She is a lovely person and gave lots of good advice about illustrating books and the children's publishing industry. The illustrations in the book are magnificent.

Jeff

Charlotte said...

Just reading your review makes me sniff...

Sandy Fussell said...

Best comment ever! Thank you Charlotte

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandy
Thank you so much for your lovely comments which I only found by accident today... AND thank you too to Jeff and Charlotte!
Very much appreciated one and all!
Jennifer

Sandy Fussell said...

Hi Jennifer

It's a very special book. Are you working on something new at the moment?

Anonymous said...

Thank you Sandy! Yes... trying to get lots done to make a go of it full time.... Love your Samurai series and what marvelous covers! :)
What do you think of the e-publishing/i-publishing trends for children's literature?
Best
Jennifer

Sandy Fussell said...

When you crack the secret of full-time, let me know! I would love to be able to concentrate fully on writing - especially during daylight hours!

I have to admit the e-publish/i-publish debate confuses me and I struggle to keep up.

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