You can feel the desperation in Gracie when Josh has bad weeks. She's not allowed into his bedroom at times like this, but she sneaks in anyway, and brings in her favourite Incy Wincy Spider story and tells Josh how many times the spider fell down before getting up and trying again. She tells him he must not give up.
Pass the tissues, please!
This is a beautiful, sensitive story about a young lad facing the battle of his life, and the impact it has on his single-parent family. It's also a story of hope, warmth and togetherness, and the importance of living life to the full, even when faced with such horrendous health challenges.
I particularly love the use of nursery rhyme to express the idea of hope at the end of this book - an ending we cannot be sure about, but one that makes us smile with optimism.
Gracie and Josh has been beautifully penned by the lovely Susanne Gervay, conveyer of emotion. Similarly emotion-packed illustrations by Serena Geddes perfectly portray the soaring highs and lows that surround such family challenges, whilst lending an ideal childhood charm kids will adore. The duo form a partnership in Gracie and Josh that works so well, I do hope to see it again.
This book is endorsed by Variety children’s charity, helping children to live life to the fullest.
Title: Gracie and Josh
Author: Susanne Gervay
Illustrator: Serena Geddes
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing, $26.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 April 2013
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781921665844
For ages: 5 - 10
Type: Picture Book