Vision of Beauty: a mighty story of dignity and freedom

Vision of Beauty: a mighty story of dignity and freedom

Madame Walker was born Sarah Breedlove, the youngest child in her family and the first person in her family to be born free. Her family were slaves in Louisiana until emancipation in 1865. 

Sarah was born in 1867 and lived an extraordinary life.

During her at once difficult and blessed life, Sarah married twice, had a daughter, and built a cosmetics empire. 

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WILLY & MAX :: about perspective and the preciousness of friendship

WILLY & MAX :: about perspective and the preciousness of friendship

Age guide: 4 to 8. Subtitled A Holocaust Story, this is really more about friendship and promise than the Holocaust itself. 

Historically, the background is Denmark during the second World War. Willy's father owns a shop selling odds and ends - everything from an enormous bronze angel to a haunting painting of The Lady. Max's father is a Jewish professor who buys The Lady.

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My Two Blankets: the transforming power of friendship

My Two Blankets: the transforming power of friendship

My Two Blankets is a charming story about a young girl who ‘came to this country to be safe’ and the way she was able to reclaim a safe, happy and loved childhood. Positive, enlightening, it engages on many, many fronts.

ages early childhood to teen

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The Matchbox Diary: a warm and engaging story of keepsakes and family history

The Matchbox Diary: a warm and engaging story of keepsakes and family history

ages 4 to 10 years
Set in USA—there was a time when matchboxes were ubiquitous, now there are probably children who will need the concept of a matchbox explained or shown to them. But once that’s done, I suspect many children will want to start their own matchbox diary – and adults too.
 

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Let The Celebrations Begin!: a gentle and soft introduction to holocaust literature

Let The Celebrations Begin!: a gentle and soft introduction to holocaust literature

ages 4 years to grownup
Set in Europe, this is one of my absolute favourite books. It's a book to give perspective to small bingles and it's a book to plant notions of empathy, courage, and resilience in children. Definitely one to have in your home library, Let the Celebrations BEGIN! speaks across a wide range of age groups and relates to so many sets of circumstances.

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Space Travellers: a respectful and warm look at homelessness

Space Travellers: a respectful and warm look at homelessness

ages 4 years to grownup
Children’s books about homelessness are hard to find and this one strikes just the right note. Zac and Mandy are homeless, but very far from helpless. Space Travellers is a beautiful book about homelessness, with themes of self-reliance, sharing, making do and so much more.

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