Melanie's Easter Gift Review
MELANIE’S EASTER GIFT
Lorraine Cobcroft
Illus. Jasmine Hambling
Rainbow Works Pty. Ltd.
Have you ever longed for a children’s book that promotes unselfishness and encourages the good of others over self-indulgent greed? A book that is less ‘me’ centred and more ‘other’ centred? Your search is over.
It was almost Easter and Melanie is looking forward to the over-abundance of chocolate Easter eggs that is part of Easter in her family. But things are different this year. Melanie’s little sister Shelley is very sick and desperately in need of a transplant. Money is short at Melanie’s house. She is extremely unhappy, that is, until a miracle happens and through it all Melanie learns the true meaning of Easter. Although the book is about Easter it is equally applicable to Christmas or birthday greed.
Melanie’s Easter Gift is written by Lorraine Cobcroft and all the author’s profits are donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.
DS
MELANIE'S EASTER GIFT
Lorraine Cobcroft
Illus. Jasmine Hambling
Rainbow Works
This very different take on childhood cancer centres on young student Melanie. The book draws together elements of Easter celebrations with the story of her baby sister Shelley who has leukaemia. The magnanimous spirit of the children, teachers and Melanie’s school community shines through as they decide to donate their usual spending to sponsoring Shelley’s transplant. Side issues such as Easter traditions, consumerism and grass roots lobbying are also discussed. This Brisbane author, whose family has had to deal with childhood cancer, has donated profits to the Leukaemia Foundation. NS
MELANIE’S EASTER GIFT
Lorraine Cobcroft
Illustrator, J. Hambling
Rainbow Works Pty Ltd
This is a delightful picture book, about the true meaning of Easter, is simply told and beautifully illustrated. Melanie’s baby sister is very sick and needs a transplant. Their family won’t be able to have Easter Bunny visit that year. The school and community rally behind the family and forego their chocolate to raise money for the sick child. WN