At the End of Holyrood Lane

USD $15.99USD $17.99

Flick is just like any other youngster. She loves to chase butterflies and jump in autumn leaves. But life at the end of Holyrood Lane is often violent and unpredictable due to the constant storms that plague her home, causing her to cringe with dread and flee whenever they strike. Visually arresting, emotionally incisive, and ultimately uplifting, this beautifully crafted picture book provides a sensitive glimpse into one aspect of domestic violence and how it can affect young lives.

 

EVENT: ASLA Members – Don’t miss Dimity Powell speaking at this year’s ASLA conference as part of the SCBWI Panel (more info)


SPECIFICATIONS: Hardback| 245 x 255 mm / 9.5 x 10 Inches | Colour | 32 Pages |

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WINNER OF THE 2019 SCWBI Crystal Kite Award, Australia/New Zealand Division. Congratulations Dimity and Nicky!

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Nominated by Darby Jones from AusLit (University of Queensland) as their top pick for necessary conversations around domestic violence
“Through the use of metaphor, this book conveys the importance of confiding in trusted adults during times of storm and stress. It simultaneously enables educators to address DFV in a sensitive manner and establishes them as trusted individuals who children experiencing DFV can turn


Maria Marshall
It’s no wonder this team won the Crystal Kite Award. Overall, this is a book that creates a mirror for almost everyone (whether abuse or fear of storms) and an important window for the creation of empathy for anyone caught within their fear. A book which should be in every library. Click here to view


Tulsa Book Review article
“A story about getting over one’s fear of storms could come across as preachy, but here it is charismatic and approachable…Overall, this is a delightful book.” Click here to read.


Robert’s Time Out Blog website article
“I love how Dimity’s passion for words shines through her work. They always warm my heart. Her words are like a gentle hug, wrapped with love to bring joy.” Click here to read.


Kid’s Book Review review article
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. It’s a must for every school library and home bookshelf.” Click here to read.


Buzz Word Magazine review article
“This is a sensitive book with a message of hope, bringing to the fore a child’s perspective of domestic violence and how it makes the child feel. This book should strike a chord with any child who has experienced any domestic violence and will afford a glimpse of such a situation of anyone who hasn’t. The uplifting ending will give hope to readers that help is at hand and send the message that regardless of how young you are, you can change things.” Click here to read in full.


Queensland Writer’s Centre review article
“Few picture books available today address this volatile and woefully prevalent aspect of society without overt explicitness or didactic overtones. At the End of Holyrood Lane does so in a sympathetic, non-threatening way. ”  Click here to read in full.


Just So Stories review article
“We are so blessed to have such quality writers for children in this country who are unafraid to tackle difficult subjects. This book is endorsed by ActforKids, Paradise Kids, Think Equal and will be launched on 23rd September in Brisbane. I highly recommend it for your young readers from Prep upwards and would suggest that you also bring it to the attention of your school guidance officers/psychologists.”  Click here to read in full.


Pass It On review article
“A difficult topic, handled beautifully.” Click here to read in full.


4RO Rockhampton’s Mornings with Laurie Atlas radio segment
“Hopefully this book is starting to change mindsets” Click here to listen.


Weekend Notes website article
At the end of Holyrood Lane addresses domestic violence in a very sympathetic and non-threatening way. It is evocatively and beautifully illustrated by Melbourne-based illustrator Nicky Johnston” Click here to read.


Australia Teacher Magazine magazine article
“Uses stunning visual metaphor to offer a ray of hope to kids facing dark days.” Click here to read.


The Daily Telegraph newspaper article
“Endorsed as a resource to help children witnessing domestic violence, this gentle story explores coping with fear in general.” Click here to read.


LAFM Launceston radio segment
“Designed to be visually arresting, emotionally incisive, and ultimately uplifting, the book is a tale of anxiety shown through the eyes of a small child with an intense dislike for thunderstorms — a fear shared by many young children. This sensitive duality of meaning evokes a gentle awareness for young readers who may be suffering their own domestic torment but who are too scared or confused to seek shelter from their own storms, whatever their nature.” Click here to listen.


Boomerang Books blog article
“If there ever was a story that so finely balances a highly delicate topic with exquisitely gentle language and a resolution that makes your heart swell, it’s At the End of Holyrood Lane.” Click here to read. 


Kirkus Reviews review article
“Expressive illustrations and text rich with poetic vocabulary share a sensitive story with a message about asking for help when a situation feels scary.” Click here to read.


ABC’s Mornings radio segment
“Domestic violence is a tricky subject to talk about even for adults, but sadly 1 in 4 children are exposed to it. So how do you discuss this topic with young people? Author Dimity Powell has just a book, At The End of Holyrood Lane, which has been well received by many support services.” Click here to listen.


ABC’s Drive radio segment 
“An important book… facing your fears is the first step to overcoming them” Click here to listen.


Salt FM 106.5 radio segment
“…this book with open up discussion with little ones so they feel they can reach out to people when they are frightened” Click here to listen.


89.2 LAFM’s The Drive Home radio segment
“Discussing sensitive topics with young children is not easy and it is important to tread with delicate steps. Domestic Violence is a big problem in today’s society and something that concerns entire families including young children. Author Dimity Powell and illustrator Nicky Johnston have come together to create a story that brings hope to those in need.”  Click here to read.


NZ Book Lovers blog post
“At the End of Holyrood Lane provides a sensitive glimpse into one aspect of domestic violence and how it can affect young lives.” Click here to read.


Story Links 
“This quietly powerful story is an extended metaphor about domestic violence in a child’s life.” Click here to read.


Gold Coast Bulletin newspaper article
“Storm metaphors as the key to a Gold Cast authors quest to deliver what many think would be impossible, a picture book for young children about domestic violence.” Click here to read.


Noosa News newspaper article
“For some children feeling unsafe in their own home is a sad reality, especially when they are exposed to violence or domestic dispute. Now a new picture book is aiming to tackle the issue using visual metaphor to offer hope and confidence to those feeling in the dark.” Click here to read.


Mums Delivery magazine article
“…seeks to provide hope to families affected by outright violence.” Click here to read.


Bub Hub review article
“This book uses the storm metaphor to gently reach out to children who are facing their own torments, particularly those children living with domestic and family violence in the home, but also will resonate with children battling their own inner storms.” Click here to read.


Swings + Roundabouts magazine article
“At the End of Holyrood Lane provides a glimpse into an aspect of domestic violence and how it can affect young lives. The text is very subtle so the underlying story will not be picked up by all children and the storm could be a metaphor for a variety of situations including as simple as being afraid of storms.” Click here to read.


What’s Up Downunder Magazine review article
The illustrations show Flick’s fear and joy, the darkness of storms and the glory of a sunny day. If you know someone who is helping children deal with domestic violence, this is the book for them.” Click here to read.


One More Page PODcast review podcast
Dimity’s use of nature and its elements as a metaphor for the turmoil caused by violence in a family is beautifully done. The poetic language carries us through Flick’s journey until she finds the ability to reach out for help. What really lifts this book to the next level is Nicky Johnston’s illustrations. The way she hides human forms with the raging storm of nature is just gorgeous. … a brave book”. Click here to listen.


Blue Wolf Reviews review article
 At The End of Holyrood Lane is a landmark book on a subject which is a no longer a hidden, tragic aspect life. The skilful use of thunderstorms and stormy skies as metaphors, coupled with simple and yet powerful illustrations makes this a book which should be on the shelves of kindergarten and school libraries and used as an instructive talking time in classrooms.” Click here to read.


The Book Chook review article
“At the End of Hollyrood Lane is enigmatic. Different children will be able to interpret the story in different ways. I think this is excellent, as children can detect a preachy, didactic tone from a mile away. Kudos to both author and illustrator for a successful creation that I hope will enrich many children’s lives.”
Click here to read.


Mum’s Delivery Magazine magazine article
“Visually arresting…” Click here to read.


Reading Time review article
“This is an important book for children, especially those who have experienced the terrible reality of violence in the home. I could imagine this being used by therapists working with children of all ages. It could also be used in the classroom to open up conversation and empower children to seek help when they need it.” Click here to read.


Mums at the Table television segment
“Such a clever, powerful and stunning picture book. The duality of meaning makes it a story about being brave for most children while giving it the potential to speak volumes to those experiencing domestic violence. Encourages children to speak up and seek help whenever they are afraid.” Click here to read.


 

“At The End of Holyrood Lane is a beautiful story about a little girl who is terrified by the storm that chases and scares her but when Flick reaches out for help she finally becomes safe and the sunshine comes out.  Dimity Powell should be commended for the gentle way in which she approaches the challenges faced by so many children growing up in a house of violence.  RizeUp is proud to support Dimity and her beautiful story and we are sure it will touch the lives of so many children and their parents in a positive way.”

– Nicolle Edwards,CEO RizeUp


“Paradise Kids has helped heal the heartache of children’s grief for over 20 years. Many children coming to Paradise Kids have experienced the trauma and loss of innocence of childhood from domestic violence. Children feel helpless in the face of wrath and stormy emotions and have no safe place in which feel their many strong feelings. Dimity again dares to touch on what is normally a forbidden subject for children: the devastation of domestic violence. Children are often silent witnesses to this rampant abuse. Their little lives are traumatized and they live with a continual fight and flight response present in them which is detrimental to their body, mind and spirit health. With delicacy, and ultimately hope, Dimity’s lyrical words and Nicky’s evocative illustrations touch on hope in the midst of terror. With beautiful metaphors and symbolism  this book brings to light awareness of children who suffer and who are vulnerable in our society.  Paradise Kids helps children emotionally regulate, even though they can’t change what is happening around them. We can help them ‘heal the heartache’ through psycho-education about the trauma process through art, story-telling, movement, nature, music and literature. We are excited to add this deeply touching story to our Paradise Kids Library.”

– Deirdre Hanna, Founder Hopewell Hospice Services Inc. and Paradise Kids


“The End of Holyrood Place is a beautiful, non-didactic exploration of family violence. Unlike many other books broaching the subject, it deals with verbal abuse directed at the child protagonist. The illustrations show the parent figure in silhouette as a storm, and the other adult figure as a refuge from the storm. Highly suitable for teachers to read to Early Primary classes.”

–  Dr Zewlan Moor, Byron Bibliotherapy


“the poetry and vivid use of language is exciting and will encourage creativity and love of language in young children. Above all, Dimity’s skills in and focus on mediating social and emotional skills and competencies to children, will encourage them to see help in dark times and help them to navigate through stormy weather and understand that it will pass”.

-Leslee Unwin – Think Equal Founder and President.


In subtle ways, children’s books have long had a powerful impact in helping generations understand and make sense of the sometimes baffling and frightening aspects of life experienced in growing up. Themes of being lost in a dark forest and finding the way out, of small heroes overcoming big adversities, and of inspiring tales of courage and discovery have all been part of our common cultural legacies.

Congratulations to Dimity Powell and Nicky Johnston for creating At the End of Hollyrood Lane, as it is timely in sending a message of hope to a child witnessing the scourge of domestic violence in their family. Only in recent years has the scientific literature turned long overdue attention to the potential long term trauma and adverse effects for little people who survive in homes where family violence is happening. At last attitudes are changing and the tide is starting to turn against family violence. Part of this will change will include children seeking help directly when the adults in their life are unable or unwilling to protect them.

The increased awareness of domestic and family violence is already having a powerful effect in which victims and entire communities are now taking action to call it out and end it. The idea of instilling within children a sense of self-empowerment through teaching protective behaviours is also gaining traction. Children’s books such as this have a role to play in the process of helping a child, through metaphor and subtle example, to gain some understanding and in encouraging them to seek help at an early stage.

– G.E. Poole, Registered Psychologist and Regional Director, Act for Kids

Gary E. Poole is a registered psychologist with 30+ years experience in leadership of child health services in five countries. Since 2015 Gary has served as Southern Queensland Regional Director for Act for Kids, and for ten years prior was CEO of RASNZ, the specialist trauma refugee health agency receiving all UNHCR quota arrivals at the National Refugee Centre at Auckland, From 2004-2006 Gary led the development of child health services and commissioning of hospitals in Badhakshan and Baglan Provinces in Afghanistan in UN funded initiatives.

What Book Next? Reviewed
“A sensitive story about the ‘storms’ young children often face under domestic violence. Flick faces fear, flight and confusion as she navigates these ‘storms’ – until one day she decides to be even braver and ask for help. Sad, clever and gorgeous.” Click here to read