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Thomasina Farrell is a nun in an Anglican order in South Australia. She emigrated to Australia in her twenties from Britain. She has studied languages, music, nursing, disability, and mental health work. She is currently studying creative writing. She has had poems published under various pen names, but this is her first book illustrated by the renowned artist, Malcolm Richards.
Brilliant illustrations backed up with a story of self worth and resilience.
The Girl and the Mirror is simply written in a large easy to read font. The illustrations are delightful and I love the faithful dog that is with the girl every step of the way. The message is not just for children but anyone who questions their self worth. Many adults as well as children need support from someone to 'put the mirror back together' and come to appreciate their true worth. As well as being a lovely book for a child to read independently this would be a great book for an adult to read and share with a child.
Thought-provoking and wonderfully illustrated, highlighting a powerful and important message for all ages
When I first opened the book, I was expecting a simple illustrated children’s story but it proved to be much more than that. The Girl and the Mirror is a simple, age appropriate story with clear, brightly coloured illustrations. The story addresses brilliantly the problem of achieving self-worth and self-acceptance that is a part of every child’s development. The language is simple, the story straightforward, the characterisation from a child’s point of view; the mirror is drawn as an active character, the helper as child sized. The illustrations are cheerfully done and support the optimism of the message. The final description of the reconstructed mirror avoids the cliché of a simple happy-ever-after; the lesson of the mirror is instead acceptance and appreciation of difference. I enjoyed it, found it surprising and worth a second and third read to appreciate the subtleties: a children’s story that is a worthwhile addition to any children’s library.
