Deborah Kelly grew up in New Zealand but has also lived in Japan and Scotland. She is the author of numerous children’s picture books, short stories, educational readers and chapter books. These include The Chalk Rainbow and The Doll Box, both with EK Books. Deborah has presented her picture books to young readers in schools, libraries and also as part of literary festivals.
Nicky Johnston has published several bestselling and award-winning titles, including At the End of Holyrood Lane, The Fix-It Man, Grandma Forgets, The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp, Saying Goodbye to Barkley, This is My Dad, Upside-Down Friday and Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination, all with EK Books. Nicky’s illustration style is often described as whimsical, playful, narrative, emotive and colourful. She loves to work in watercolour, ink, pencils and pastel.
Frankie discovers that beautiful things can be made from broken pieces, in this sensitive and hopeful story about family separation.
One day, Mama’s vase breaks, and everything changes. All of a sudden, Frankie’s Dad doesn’t live at home anymore, and Nan has come to stay for a while. Frankie’s life has broken apart just like the vase, and she feels upset and lost. Then Nan has an idea…
Full of expressive, colourful illustrations, The Mosaic is an optimistic story about parental separation and the healing power of art. Little readers will delight in following Nan and Frankie as they go on an adventure and find an unexpected source of hope and inspiration. They will see that while some changes can feel sad and overwhelming at first, they can also lead to happiness if we know where to look.
Children all over the world are impacted by parental divorce and separation. The Mosaic offers a fresh perspective, focussing on the good that can come from change and giving children comfort in a time of grief and uncertainty. Inspired by the author’s conversations with her own children, it is a uniquely personal story that will help any children going through difficult changes to find hope, resilience and joy.
