Deborah Kelly grew up in New Zealand and has lived in Japan and Scotland. Passionate about literacy, she loves to visit schools, libraries and festival events to share her books with children.
Her new book, The Doll Box is a poignant story about a child finding her own inner strength, courage and resilience by drawing inspiration from the generations of women that came before her. The Doll Box helps children connect to past generations in a personal and meaningful way, published by EK Books.
Can you tell us a little about the new book?
Isla can’t reach the top of the climbing frame at the playground. Her arms ache, she is afraid, and she doesn’t quite believe she can do it. But when Mum tells her stories of the amazing women that have come before her, Isla realises that the courage, strength and resilience they had are within her, too.
What do you hope children will take away from reading The Doll Box?
I want them to know that sometimes life can be hard, and problems can seem too big to overcome, but the strength, courage and resilience we need is already within us. Just like all the people who came before us, whether they be blood relatives or not, we can face hard stuff, and overcome it, too.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
Each picture book I write comes about in a slightly different way. This book was the result of years of talking with my own parents about family history. The obstacles and hardships faced by the women on my mother’s side particularly and stories of their strength, courage and resilience. It was also the result of my own personal difficulties. A few years ago, my life was flipped upside down and I struggled to find a way to move forward. One day when I was feeling particularly low, I came across a photo my mother had given me for my 30th birthday. It showed all the women on her side of the family stretching back six generations. I found comfort and strength in remembering their stories and felt a sense of solidarity, that they were right there with me cheering me on. I realised that if they had overcome everything they had and not just survived but thrived, then I could too.
If a soundtrack was made to accompany the new book, name a song or two you would include.
There are many songs out there by fantastic female artists which talk about strength, courage and resilience. Some of my personal favourites include ‘Brave’ by Sarah Bareilles and ‘Perfect’ by P!nk.
What did you enjoy the most about writing The Doll Box?
Delving more into my own family’s history was interesting. Learning about the things amazing things women throughout history have done, for example the various women’s land armies that kept farms running and producing while men were at war. I wanted to write something that would be empowering to girls. I also enjoyed watching Jo bring Isla’s story to life through her beautiful illustrations.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
As soon as I got an advance copy, I took it straight over to my parent’s place. The book was inspired by a gift my mum gave me when I was thirty. A photo frame with me and my daughter in the centre surrounded by six generations of women on my mother’s side including herself. My mother had told me their stories of courage, strength and resilience and during a particularly difficult time in my own life I looked to them for inspiration to move forward. My mother is one of the strongest people I know, and I have dedicated the book to her.
I will be celebrating the release of The Doll Box with a launch hosted by one of our local libraries here in Lake Macquarie. There will be a reading of the book, followed by craft and cupcakes.
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
A Short History of Queer Women by Kirsty Loehr. It is fascinating and hilarious in equal measure.
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I have another new picture book due out in October this year called The Mosaic (EK Books, 2024) which is about family separation and the healing power of art. I am currently writing some chapter books for older children. And I still have one final year to go of my speech pathology degree!
EK Books