In this picture book, inspired by true events, we explore how one random act of kindness can have a ripple effect. Inspired by true events, this own voices story explores kindness and generosity, and teaches students about refugees, Vietnamese boat people, and the Syrian refugee crisis.

This is a beautiful book to approach the subject of refugees with young children. It's based on the author's experience of being a child refugee from Vietnam to Canada, and as an adult she passes along the kindness shown to her and welcomes a family of Syrian refugees. I would use this in my classroom to talk about the refugee crisis with my students, especially if there was a refugee family in our school community, to help the children develop empathy and understanding.

Thanks to Second Story Press & NetGalley for the review copy of THE DOLL by Nhung N Tran-Davies, illustrated by Ravy Puth.

This autobiographical picture book is based on the author's experience when as a child she was a refugee from Vietnam and immigrated to Canada. It is the story of how a simple gift can make a huge difference and when we are looking for comfort sometimes that includes comforting others.
A fantastic way to talk to children about the world in which we live and how we can show kindness and be welcoming to others.

There are always refugees. There is always war. And it is good when there is a safe harbor that will take in the refugees.

This is a picture book based on the life of the author that when she found refugee in Canada, after fleeing Vietnam, that she was welcomed at the airport with a doll. This doll was what helped welcome her to her new life.

And then, when she grows up and sees that there are new refugees coming to Canada she goes to welcome the children with a doll.

According to the appendix, at the back, the original doll is in the Canadian Museum of immigration, Pier 1 Halifax. museum.

Sweet story, but I wish the illustrator had drawn a different doll for the new refugees, otherwise it looks as though she gave her the original doll.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

Does one simple act of kindness really make a difference? In this lovely picture book we find out just how much of a difference, and far, a simple act of kindness can actually go. Two refugees are brought together across time by a doll given in a moment of kindness. A lovely book that is sure to leave you with a glow in your heart.

I absolutely loved this picture book!
It is the story of a newcomer refugee and how a small act of kindness made her feel welcome to a place that becomes her home. Later, she will share feelings of welcome with others.

Her journey and what it means to be a refugee are discussed in language and visuals that are accessible to young children.

The authors note explaining how the story was inspired by real events, pushed my from touched to teary eyed. I cannot wait to share this heartfelt book with students.

This book was a gift. I really appreciate Tran-Davies vulnerable sharing of her story. Based on her real-life events this book tells the story of a young girl refugee whose life is marked by a random act of kindness. It highlights how our actions have a ripple effect.

The doll symbolizes empathy, kindness, and a ray of hope. I thought it was so precious how, even though the child did not speak the language of the country she would hope to be her safe home, the welcoming message the doll represented was understood loud and clear. For that reason, I love the illustrator’s choice of having the same doll being gifted to a Syrian refugee decades later by our protagonist.

This was an eye opening and emotional read and I will share it with my students when the book is released. I work with new immigrants and I wonder how many have a similar story.

Thank you Nhung N. Tran-Davies, Second Story Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Doll in exchange for an honest review.

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