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.