The Mosaic by Deborah Kelly

One day, Mum's vase breaks and everything changes. All of a sudden, Frank's Dad doesn't live at home anymore and Nana has come to stay for a while. Frankie's life has broken apart just like the vase and she feels upset and lost. Then Nana has an idea.

The Mosaic is an optimistic story about parental separation and the healing power of art. For many children, their parents separating can be shattering. Author Deborah Kelly offers readers a hopeful and important message, in an age-appropriate and empathetic way. Kelly uses sparse words to tell a powerful story, about hope, resilience and joy to help younger readers through a major transition in their lives.

Illustrator Nicky Johnston has created detailed and expressive artwork to accompany the story. Her characters are full of emotion and there's a lot of detail to capture attention. Gentle hues flow through the book, complimenting Kelly's gentle writing.

The Mosaic will be a wonderful addition to any early childhood or primary school setting, as well as a helpful tool for any family navigating separation. It is a book that will help younger readers make sense of what is happening in their lives, to process and to talk about their feelings. It's a tough topic, with themes of grief and coping with change, but Kelly focuses on the positive; that there can be beauty amongst the pain. Equally as important, this book offers children a tangible and realistic way to process their emotions, through the power of art.

Kelly and Johnston highlight the arts as a source of comfort and inspiration during times of difficulty.  A hopeful, gentle story, The Mosaic will both comfort and inspire our younger readers.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

EK Books