The Doll

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.

It's a beautiful illustrated picture book and tells a loving story between two girls. Being kind and treating people without bias. This is book based on a true story touches me more. The beauty of the heart is the true beauty.

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.

This book is the true story of the author's experience coming to the US as a Vietnamese refugee. I appreciated the overall message and call to action: Use what you have to help others who have less. I think this is especially important because Tran-Davies, as a former refugee, is now paying it forward to help other refugees who are in the same situation as she was. This is an important lesson: instead of dwelling on the past, you can use the capital you have gained to speak up and act in ways to support others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Story Press for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

A tired frightened little girl who was fleeing from Vietnam to find safety, was greeted with a lovely act of kindness when she arrived in her new country of Canada. A stranger, a very loving lady, stepped forward in the airport and handed her a doll.

Many years later the impact of that simple act still lingered in the now grown up woman's heart and she decided to grace another little refugee girl with a doll upon her arrival just like she had received.

This heartwarming story is sure to spark conversations about immigrants, their unimaginable struggles and how to accept and bless them when they arrive in your neighbourhood or in your classroom. The illustrations are extremely well done and enrich the story greatly. This story highlights compassion and empathy and is based on the author's own experience.

In Her Own Words





"This story is about a doll I was given when I first arrived in Canada, at the age of five, as a refugee from the Vietnam war 40 yrs ago. Adrienne, the young girl who gave me the doll remains a special part of my life. Her act of kindness 40 yrs ago ripples forth through the years as I, in turn, recently sponsored a Syrian refugee family. It was my turn to give the little Alma a doll. In 2018, the doll was displayed at Pier 21 Museum in Halifax, and for the next five years, she will be travelling across Canada to tell our story. "

I highly, highly recommend this book.

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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