Paula Xiberras
The phrase ‘say yes to kindness’ is inscribed in my copy of Graces’ secret’ by one of the authors, Prue Holling. It’s a simple message shared by the book’s main character Grace, that if we all did say yes to kindness we would do our part in making the world a wonderful place. Grace is the protagonist in the delightful new book by Prudence Holling and Philippa Ray and Illustrated by liz Braid. The book also makes us that little more grateful for that drip, drip, drip of the tap!
I spoke to Prue recently and she told me it was pointed out to her, that in the illustrations of her character Grace, that the said Grace doesn’t have a neck or much of a mouth for that matter! It’s nothing to get alarmed about because the person that observed this also mentioned Grace, in her representation, is minimalist with sparse, less specific detail, which gives us a basic form identifiable to all children. Grace’s expression is blank so children can use their imaginations to create her expressions and feelings.
Prue is a self-confessed ‘book tragic’ and remembers that as a child if she ever had any extra money to spend it would be spent on books. So it’s fitting she now has this very special book of her own to share with us. Grace, as her name would suggest is a young lady that demonstrates gratitude and appreciation and teaches us these attributes without preaching.
Grace, is like Santa Clause as she delivers messages of gratitude anonymously, creating a parable for today’s children and adults alike, illustrating that doing a good deed is equally rewarding for the giver as for the receiver. The simple act of saying thank you has a much more profound weight than one can imagine. Prue believes we should say thank you frequently.
Prue is a native Tasmanian having grown up in Deloraine in a family of dairy farmers, later moving to Smithton, which at the time she thought was the end of the world. She believes growing up in a community with a small population and the homogeneity of those small communities as opposed to big cities helps people develop the core values her book is showcasing of looking out for each other, and a personal commitment to these values informs Prue’s writing.
The book is written in rhyme which Prue says helps children absorb the story and message easier The book also empowers children to be proactive and the excellent illustrations provide the visual learning dimension
Prue with her co-writer Pip are going on the road in the North West in their painted caravan to publicise the book and get some feedback from children readers and helping them is their very own ‘Grace’ doll. One wonders if merchandising may see her be the first of many Graces.
This beautiful book with its message of the snowballing effect of small acts of kindness is fresh and new and at the same time reminiscent of wholesome values that we need to perpetuate in a society that sometimes needs to regain the significance of small sincere acts of kindness
Grace’s Secret is out now and available from http://www.gracehas.com/
