The Silken Thread

Written and illustrated by Gabrielle Wang

Reviewed by Jenny Ruge

From the 2022-2023 Australian Children’s Laureate, Gabrielle Wang, comes another heartfelt tale of love and loss, friendship and family. The author of successful novels such as A Ghost in My Suitcase and Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon, Wang has introduced us to many memorable characters, including Poppy and Pearlie in the Our Australian Girl series. In her latest offering, she brings us several more. 

The Silken Thread is the story of two troubled children, worlds apart, who are magically brought together by a golden silkworm cocoon. For twelve-year-old Moonie, living in Melbourne during the Depression and dreaming of one day becoming a fashion designer, life takes an unwelcome turn when her beloved Ma Mi goes away. With her father tight-lipped about Ma Mi’s absence, a stranger enters their lives, forcing a flood of changes that De Di is unable or unwilling to challenge. Five thousand miles away, on Chongming Island in China, peasant boy Little Dipper is struggling to balance the weight of his family’s expectations against his dream of going to school and learning English. The two first meet on the day that Ma Mi went away, with Little Dipper suddenly appearing in Moonie’s bedroom as the ‘no face boy’. Sharing their troubles as well as their dreams, the two quickly forge an unbreakable bond.

Told in the alternating voices of Moonie and Little Dipper, the novel is full of richly-drawn characters and charming historical detail. Wang’s own simple but delightful illustrations add visual interest, and the paper dolls included at the end of the book bring Moonie’s clothing designs to life. With tantalising echoes of Peter Pan and Wendy sprinkled throughout the novel, readers unfamiliar with the work of J.M. Barrie will be clamouring to be introduced to that classic.

The Silken Thread feels personal because it is — Wang has drawn on elements of her own family history and explains that ‘It was as though the spirits of my parents were standing beside me whispering secrets in my ear’ (Author’s Note). The result is a quiet and lyrical novel that touches lightly on themes of bullying and cultural differences, and the triumph of good over evil. At its heart, it’s a glorious whimsical tale about the power of friendship, and the importance of persistence in chasing our dreams. Perfect for reading aloud, and highly recommended for ages 8-12.

Penguin 2025

Gabrielle Wang