Elizabeti’s Doll, a picture book by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, illustrated by Christy Hale, is an oldie but a goodie. Alayna loved this book when she was little, a sweet story of a young girl who wants her own baby to care for while her mom tends her baby brother. I love how the illustrations flesh out this story. The text never says that the girl lives in rural Tanzania and has no access to store bought dolls. There is no pity for Elizabeti, for while her house may look different and her food may be cooked over an open fire, she has a loving family and a great sense of purpose in not only caring for her rock-baby but fetching water and helping with dinner. Kids will admire Elizabeti’s resourcefulness and see they have something in common with this child who lives such a different kind of life. It shows us, it doesn’t tell us, one of the first writing rules I learned and one I still work on today.
I recently needed a book that showed what the word “devotion” means. I can’t think of a better example of devotion than a mother’s love for her child, and this child’s love for her precious rock-baby, Eva.
