Boxes for Katje

Reach for this book when you want to show your child how a single person's kindness can ripple outward to heal an entire community. It is an ideal choice for discussing the concept of 'enough' and how sharing what we have, even when it feels like very little, creates a bond that transcends borders and languages. Based on a true story from the author's family history, the narrative follows Katje, a young girl in post-WWII Holland who receives a simple care package from Rosie in America. As the correspondence grows, so do the boxes, evolving from basic necessities like soap and socks to luxuries like chocolate and even entire community donations. The book beautifully handles themes of scarcity and gratitude without being frightening, making it perfectly appropriate for elementary-aged children. It serves as a gentle introduction to historical hardships while focusing firmly on the resilience of the human spirit and the joy of global friendship.