Picture Book Spotlight: Boxes for Katje

Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen.

When I read this picture book to the girls, Jane had to take over for me near the end because I was so choked up. Candace Fleming’s beautiful story takes place in a small Dutch village, post World War II. Young Katje receives an unexpected package in the mail: a small box containing soap, socks, and—wonder of wonders!—chocolate, gifts from an American girl named Rosie. What follows is a heartwarming exchange of letters between the two girls, and a vivid illustration of the ripple-effect of generosity.

For more picture-book recommendations, visit my Booknotes page.

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Comments

1. 

   Julie Bogart says:

   That sounds like a winner. I’m going to look for it.

   Julie

   On January 31, 2005 at 3:30 pm