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.

Whenever Isla’s mother brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the women in her family’s past. Touching on themes of immigration, war and the feminist movement, their lives show Isla the incredible things women can achieve, and the strength she has inside herself.

Inspired by the author’s own family, this book echoes the timeless power of familial bonds and personal histories that instil courage and determination in each new generation. It underscores the belief that sharing family stories can foster a sense of belonging, and provide strength to face life’s adversities.

What makes a strong role model for girls? Deborah Kelly found the answer in her own heritage, in the pages of history, and in the inspiring individuals who, despite adversity, discovered their own courage and resilience. The Doll Box is a testament to their stories, lovingly passed from mother to daughter, empowering the next generation of strong women.

Deborah Kelly grew up in rural New Zealand, has lived and travelled in the UK and Japan, and now lives in Australia.

While being the primary carer for her children (and providing for the additional needs of one of them) Deborah has written picture books, junior fiction and middle grade fiction as well as poetry and material for the educational market. She is passionate about literacy and enjoys visiting schools, libraries and festival events to share her books with children. Her titles include the Ruby Wishfinger series (Wombat Books) and Dugong Magic (Hachette Australia). Deborah is currently studying for a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with a special interest in literacy.

Joanna Bartel is a designer and illustrator. Previously, she has been a graphic designer for a boutique fashion label, a senior art and design teacher and an English teacher in Melbourne and Brisbane, and a copywriter and graphic designer in marketing. Now she brings her experience in Arts education, design, teaching and creative marketing to her illustration work! Joanna particularly loves character design and creating imaginative and playful images to engage children and enhance imaginative learning.

Since becoming a mother to three small children, Joanna is now balancing family life with her other great loves of drawing and writing.

Get Kids Booked (via Instagram)
“The Doll Box is a story about the power within. Written by Deborah Kelly, this reflective narrative, shows kids that courage and determination will get you far. It also shows that family histories give us a sense of belonging, and gives us positivity to face our own challenges.”

Picture Book Book Club
“A special story about the legacy of brave and strong women and female empowerment. I love the way @ekbooksforkids publish these important stories about subjects that matter. Can’t wait to see what’s next!.”

Reading With A Chance of Tacos podcast
“When I picked this book up I thought this is totally something I would have read when I was a kid, just off the cover alone. I love the back – it says To girls who are brave and strong, from women who believed. This one definitely gets a 10 out 10!”

Get Kids Booked
“A story about the power within. Isla’s small, blue tin, which belonged to her mother, contains three dolls. They provide a source of comfort to her, but they also provide Isla with three stories about women from generations before her. Their stories of immigration, war and the feminist movement show Isla the strength that the women from her family had, and this reflects in her own life in the present day.”

Buzz Words Magazine
“Deborah Kelly’s stirring story reminds kids aged four to eight that they are not alone in the world – they are riding on the shoulders of the daring, diligent and determined family members who have come before them. Ideal for kids who are reluctant to try things – especially if they’ve had a negative experience – The Doll Box will encourage them to look inside and find the generational resilience”

Novel Insight
“A sweet and moving look at five generations of women in a family and their strength throughout history.”

Story Links
“With the present-day interest in family ancestry in mind, here is a poignant story about three maternal generations of women, their personal stories of resilience, strength and self-belief in overcoming life challenges, and a little girl who draws inspiration from these forebears, to overcome some personal fears..”

Motor Homes Caravans and Destinations
“It’s hard to choose which is more stunning in , with equally delightful words and illustrations to mesmerise youngsters. The wonderful tale aims to inspire young readers, particularly girls, to find their inner strength and resilience and connect with their heritage and ancestors.”

Grown Ups
“What makes a strong role model for girls? Deborah Kelly found the answer in her own heritage, in the pages of history, and in the inspiring individuals who, despite adversity, discovered their own courage and resilience. The Doll Box is a testament to their stories, lovingly passed from mother to daughter, empowering the next generation of strong women.”

What Book Next?
“This is a story of strong women achieving their dreams, stepping up to huge challenges and being strong for their families. This legacy of strength lives on in Isla. Girl power at its best.”

Tots To Teens
“These women’s stories help encourage Isla to be brave and strong, and this sweet tale will help instil girl power in your little one too.”

Magpies Magazine
“Superbly written. An Inspiring story for all children and adults to reflect on the family members who have come before them. Kelly and Bartel have created one of the year’s most memorable and distinctive picture books.”

Maggie Dent(via Instagram 142K followers)
“A very beautiful and sweet story about a little girl who learns how brave and strong her maternal grandmothers were … this book will open conversations about our ancestors and about how we can be inspired by the lives of others. A delightful book on so many levels.”

The Bottom Shelf
“This has CBCA Book of the Year nominee written all over it, and my review copy will be going to my own granddaughters to not only inspire them but to remind them never to forget whose shoulders they stand on.”

Reading Time – Children’s Book Council of Australia
“Deborah Kelly translated her own heritage into the dolls. She passed these stories onto her daughter. The book shares family stories fostering ‘girl power’ built on generations of self-reliance. Illustrated by Joanna Bartel, the beautiful end papers and floral designs supplement the story..”

Can You Tell Me A Story (via Instagram)
“A beautiful story of the courage, bravery and strength that echoes through our lives from those that have gone before us. They are the stories that shape us and guide us as we grow.
My youngest daughter took it and asked if she could keep it in her room. That’s high praise!”

Blue Wolf Reviews
“With charming illustrations and a small amount of text, this story contains a powerful message of bringing the past alive and the realisation that we are an amalgam of those who went before us.”

All The Mumery (via Instagram 24K followers)
“We have been loving this new release book written by Deborah Kelly and illustrated by Joanna Bartel.
‘Whenever Isla’s mother brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the women in her family’s past. Their incredible tales of immigration, war, and fighting for their rights show Isla the strength she has in herself and lead her on a journey of self-discovery’”