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Reader Testimonials
"I have read your book that Barry gave me. it is very unselfish of you to come with that idea, publish a book, sell them and give the profit to Leukemia. The world is lucky to have someone like you. I am also lucky to have a son, who volunteered to be shaved in front of all the students of East Brisbane State School in order to raise fund for leukemia Foundation.
I hope to meet somebody like you in the future. More power to you.
Amy Yap-Rull
"One of our members at the writing group I belong to wrote this book. It's a lovely book for children and the website is well worth looking at."
Carol Jell
Review by Thomas B., Brisbane, Aged 10
When I read the beginning of the book, I felt like I was in the same situation as Melanie, having lots of Easter Eggs. As I read on, I started to think about how I would feel if I did not have so many Easter eggs, and would it really matter anyway?
I felt sad about Shelley, but then I felt surprised that by giving my time I could really help people in need, even though I am still a child.
Often I feel that adults are the only ones that can change lives, but now I believe that I could do it too!
I find it hard to explain what this book made me feel - but I felt it very deeply.
The author was very kind with her softly delivered words. It felt so amazing when the end proved that Easter is about new life.
I really like this book, and I recommend it to other kids. Thomas (10 years old)
Review by James B., Brisbane, (aged 8)
My Thoughts and Feelings
I like the s..o..o..o..o slippery slide word, and the colours, and the drawings.
The story was gentle and not too emotional for me, even when Shelley was not coming back for next Easter.
I loved that there was a happy ending ......... and I love Easter eggs.
James (8 years old.)
Review by Suzanne Field, Primary School Teacher
Type: Picture Book. Narrative.
Recommended for Age 4+.
Melanie’s Easter Gift poses a health crisis within the Andrews family. Baby Shelley Andrews is desperately sick in hospital and needs a transplant for her survival. The Andrews family, portrayed as a battling single income family needs money to treat their daughters illness. Shelley’s sister, Melanie, explains her sister’s misfortune to her teacher at school one day. The teacher, Mr James, of Humbleville State School decides to teach the true meaning of Easter to the entire school population. Then he rallies the school body and the townsfolk together to raise much needed funds for the Andrew’s family to be able to pay their baby daughter’s hospital bills.
The light bulb moment for Mr James, on page 11, presents an opportunity for children to reflect on how they would feel if their own family circumstances had changed in such a way. Children could also predict what Mr James was thinking – what would he do or say to cheer up Melanie. Additionally readers could reflect on and discuss ways in which they themselves would go about trying to cheer up Melanie.
This book contrasts the greed of one child within a family for chocolate Easter Eggs at Easter time with a change in that child’s family circumstances. This brings about a lesson in the true meaning of Easter, and the need for an Easter miracle of a different kind this year. This book lends itself well towards children speculating on the characters behaviour in the story and discussing their own behaviour in a similar situation. Used effectively in schools, Melanie’s Easter Gift can encourage moral philosophy in children.
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