The Mosaic

By Deborah Kelly & Nicky Johnston

Reviewed by Margarite Igras

This book was inspired by the award-winning author’s personal experience of separation from her husband and the ensuing conversations she had with her children.  It is a fresh and positive perspective of what life might look like after such a family disruption, but at its core, it offers hope using the analogy of a broken vase and mosaic – that beautiful things can break but the pieces can also be made into something new and creative.  A new family dynamic is possible, it just takes some creative thinking.  Nicky Johnston’s soft and warm colours, the lovable and expressive characters she has created adds to the gentle and sensitive subject of the book.

Frankie’s Mama had a special vase. It was used over the years for flowers to celebrate Mother’s days, birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations.  But now it was a big broken mess on the kitchen floor. Frankie’s life suddenly changed with her dad moving out, her Nan moving in and her Mama staying in bed. But Nan has an idea. A visit to the gallery. There is a large colourful mosaic on display. It is made from cups bowls and plates, all broken in an earthquake and now arranged differently to create something new and beautiful.   Frankie discovers that families come in different shapes. Her family has changed but she is still surrounded by the people who matter.

The text is simple and sensitive and enhanced by the watercolour and ink illustrations, especially the comforting and astute Nan, the powerful shape of the blue and white vase, the heartbreaking expression of the Frankie as she tries to come to terms with so much change and of course the two wonderful mosaics in the story.

This is an optimistic story. Frankie’s life has fallen apart just like the vase, but the mosaic offers a fresh perspective of a new family dynamic that grows out of the broken pieces. There are so many children affected by parent separation and divorce that I feel a book like this is a valuable resource for 4- to 8-year-old and can also be a new perspective for the separated parents.

Teacher’s Notes available 

EK Books 2024

Deborah Kelly

Nicky Johnston