Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

Bibliography: Fleming, Candace. 2003. Boxes for Katje. ill. Stacey Dressen-McQueen. New York: Melanie Kroupa Books.

Plot Summary: Boxes for Katje is the story how one family in Indiana helped another family and then an entire town in Olst, Holland after World War II. One day Katje receives a box from America with a bar of soap, a pair of socks, and a candy bar. Katje immediately shares her treasures with her mother and the postman recognizing the importance to share the gift that she received. To show her appreciation, she writes to her new American friend, Rosie, thanking her for her kindness and how it truly met her family's needs. Boxes continued to arrive for Katje and she continued to share the gifts with the people of her town until she was able to send a gift of her own to Rosie and her family.

Critical Analysis: Boxes for Katje is a true inspiration. Based on actual events as noted in the author's note at the end of the story. It tells how one family (the Johnson's) from Mayfield, Indiana inspired their town to help another family (the Van Stegeran's) and the town of Olst, Holland after World War II. After receiving a box from American that contained a bar of soap, a pair of socks, and a candy bar, Katje responds by sharing her new gift with her mother and the postman. Katje also sends Rosie, her new American friend, a note thanking her and telling her how much the gift meant to her family.

The Johnson was touched by the great need in Holland and continued to send packages to Katje and her family. The Johnsons also inspired their town to join the effort and soon several boxes arrived for Katje. With each delivery, Katje continued to share the gifts with her family and community. Through the generosity of the Johnson's and Katje's desire to share, the entire community was able to keep fed and warm during the winter. As noted by the author, the winter of 1945 was one of the worst winters for Holland and because of the kindness sent from Indiana, a community stayed warm.

Fleming's writing presents a beautiful story that will inspire its readers. The illustrations added by Stacey Dressen-McQueen brings the story to life. Every detail is included...from how the houses in Mayfield, Indiana looked in 1945 before receiving the gift of tulip bulbs from Holland to how the houses looked after the tulips bloomed in the spring of 1947. Both children and adult will fall in love with this book.

Reviews
Publishers Weekly: "Fleming deftly dramatizes the story with lively conversations among the townspeople and letters between the two girls. In an outstanding debut, Dressen-McQueen immerses readers in post-war Holland, crafting an entirely credible world of cobblestone streets, Dutch architecture and vintage clothing. Primitive in its flattened perspectives, these earth-toned illustrations (which progressively brighten as the situation does) resonate with joy and fellowship."

Kirkus: "Fleming reveals Katje’s character of leadership, resolve, and gratitude through her written communiqués and Rosie’s initiative and inspiration through her active promotion of the charitable effort. Dressen-McQueen captures the flavor and essence of Fleming’s 1945 family experience through her detailed mixed-media paintings delineating fabric patterns, hairdos, emotions, and the general lifestyle of both communities. As heartwarming and uplifting as a bouquet of tulips."