Thursday's Special Is...Elizabeti's Doll!

ELIZABETI'S DOLL by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, Illustrated by Christy Hale

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Where Stephanie and Christy blog with other children's book writers and illustrators

Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

“Elizabeti doesn’t have a doll and yet she wants to take care of a baby all her own, just like Mama takes care of the new baby. So she finds a rock, kisses it, and names it Eva. Like her friend Rahaili, readers may at first laugh at such an idea, but they will soon be won over. The text is original, clever, and consistent in its respectful treatment of Elizabeti’s notion. As the rock is compared to the real infant, it actually takes on a personality so that when it’s lost, having been mistakenly used for the fire pit, it’s clear that no other rock can take its place. Once found, Eva is quickly cleaned off, hugged, and soothed with a lullaby. This story takes place in Tanzania, and lifestyle differences, such as how a baby is carried in a kanga cloth and the way that food is cooked in a separate hut, are an integral and unobtrusive part of the text. The mixed-media illustrations are intimate and remain focused on the girl and her family while also giving a sense of place. Bright cloths and patterned dresses add a touch of color to the splattered backgrounds painted in dry desert tones. This book is a splendid celebration of life and the power of a child’s imagination.” – SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“Charmed by her new baby brother, Elizabeti decides that she wants a baby of her own; she picks up a smooth rock, names it Eva.. [T]he illustrations reflect the story’s simplicity; accompanied by an attentive hen, Elizabeti follows her indulgent mother about, mimicking each nurturing activity. The object of Elizabeti’s affection may be peculiar, but the love itself is real..Stuve-Bodeen’s debut is quirky but believable, lightly dusted with cultural detail, and features universal emotions in an unusual setting.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS

Christy Hale

"I received a B.A. in Fine Arts and Masters in Teaching at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, then worked as an art educator for several years. I relocated to New York, earned a B.F.A. in illustration at Pratt Institute, then worked in publishing as a designer and art director. I taught at the Center for Book Arts and in the Communication Design department at Pratt while beginning my illustration career. I’ve illustrated many books for children and now am writing stories as well. After 9/11 I relocated to Northern California with my husband and daughter. I still enjoy illustration, design, and art direction projects, and continue as an educator, developing art curriculum for Scholastic and Instructor magazine as well giving presentations at schools and libraries, and leading programs for staff development."

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Excerpt from ELIZABETI'S DOLL (a picture book)

((Note: For those unaware of picture book length, well, they're shorter than your average mystery or romance novel. Besides, we gave you extra helpings yesterday. Today, it's half portion.))

Elizabeti had a new baby brother named Obedi. Elizabeti watched Mama take care of him and she wanted to care for her own baby.

She didn't have a doll, so she went outside and picked up a stick. She tried to hug it, but it poked her and she dropped it on the ground.

Then Elizabeti picked up a rock. It was just the right size to hold and it didn't poke Elizabeti when she hugged it. She kissed the rock and named it Eva."

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Please answer the following question for a chance to win a free copy of ELIZABETI'S DOLL! Or drop by and chat with Stephanie and Christy!!

What after-school activities would Eva be signed up for?