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Table of Contents
About The Book
Inspired by a famous story of Franz Kafka, European artist Bernadette Watts reimagines the legend of this literary figure and the letters he writes to comfort a young girl who has lost her doll. Nothing is lost if it remains alive in our hearts!
While strolling through the park, Franz Kafka hears the cry of a young girl named Saskia sitting with her mother. When Franz learns that the child has lost her beloved doll, Christiana, Franz reassures her that her doll is traveling the world. Upon their next fortuitous meetings, Franz presents Saskia and her mother with postcards from the lost doll—one from Paris, another from Venice, and finally one from Egypt. When Saskia insists that her doll Christiana come home from her travels, Franz is distraught until he finds a vintage doll in a secondhand shop. Saskia is skeptical—the doll looks old. But when Franz reminds her that we all age from our amazing journeys through life, her heart bursts with joy at their being reunited.
Inspired by a famous story, this moving account of generosity highlights the power of imagination and offers a window into the enigmatic life of one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century.
Product Details
- Publisher: NorthSouth Books (September 10, 2024)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9780735845565
- Grades: P - 2
- Ages: 4 - 8
Browse Related Books
- Pre-Kindergarten
- Kindergarten
- 1st Grade
- 2nd Grade
- Age 4 - 8
- Children's Fiction > Social Themes > Death, Grief, Bereavement
- Children's Fiction > Social Situations > Death & Dying
- Children's Fiction > Toys, Dolls, Puppets
- Children's Fiction > Historical > Other
- Children's Fiction > Historical > General
Raves and Reviews
"Sensitive, tender, and gorgeously illustrated."
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"The colors and soft, fine lines of the beautiful illustrations share the events of the story along with the doll’s journey. Be sure to examine the end pages which provide a sense of travel and imagination with Franz writing at his table. Besides the paragraph about the author/illustrator, Watts, there is a brief note about Franz Kafka and what sparked the idea for this story. Teachers and readers may find multiple themes for discussion with this title such including what happened to Franz."
– Children's Literature
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Wish You Were Here Hardcover 9780735845565
- Author Photo (jpg): Bernadette Watts (0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit