Dimity Powell’s powerful new book addresses the
current and important issue of domestic violence.
Attention is drawn to this
severe social problem with messages crucial to the well-being of children
suffering from violence in the home, with a superb approach that immediately
gains the reader’s full attention.
The duality of carefully chosen language brings
into use Nature’s elements as metaphors for the fear and anxiety that Flick,
the main character, endures.
This is a
soulful yet uplifting story about the detrimental effect domestic violence has
on children and finding a way when help is needed.
Flick is a resilient young child that lives beneath the beech woods, who loves
to play and dance outside, and who knows how to run and hide. It’s what she’s
running and hiding from that is disturbing. When storms and clouds appear
causing shadows and fear, that’s the time Flick flees. She can never tell when
they will come, determined to diminish the joy in her life.
All the emotions and feelings are impressively
portrayed by the gifted Nicky Johnston, whose illustrations transform the text
into beautiful visuals that enhance the author’s words and create a harmonious
fusion of words and images. She concentrates on expressive images to accent the
measure of Flick’s anxiety, and the forces of Nature to present the activity of
the child’s imagination. Flick is the leaf being tossed by the wind as the
trees bend and shadows with fierce faces threaten to engulf her.
It’s when Flick ultimately finds the ability to
reach out for help that her anxiety and emotional suffering come to an end. Her
courage is like the sun that comes out to melt
like butter on her cheek.
Flick’s actions and reactions are reflections of
what many children experience but are unable understand, therefore cannot find
a way to escape. This valuable book will awaken awareness in young children who
may recognize similarities in Flick’s life and theirs.
At
the End of Holyrood Lane is recommended by Act for Kids – Preventing and treating child abuse and neglect, and
supported by RizeUp Australia, a
community- driven organization dedicated to supporting families affected by
domestic and family violence.
This is a book not to be missed with a
confronting theme magnificently executed, that will surely get the attention it
deserves. It’s a must for every school library and home bookshelf.
Title:
At the End of Holyrood Lane
Author:
Dimity Powell
Illustrator:
Nicky Johnston
Publisher:
EK Books, $24.99
Publication
Date: September 2018
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781925335767
For
ages: 4 – 8 years
Type:
Picture Book
For your chance to win a copy of this special picture book along with Dimity and Nicky's previous title together, The Fix-It Man, be sure to enter our exciting new Giveaway this Friday!
