Wish You Were Here - by Bernadette Watts (Hardcover)

About the Book

While strolling through the park, Franz Kafka hears the cry of a young girl named Saskia sitting with her mother. When Franz learns that the child has lost her beloved doll, Christiana, Franz reassures her that her doll is traveling the world.

Book Synopsis

"Sensitive, tender, and gorgeously illustrated." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Inspired by a famous story of Franz Kafka, European artist Bernadette Watts reimagines the legend of this literary figure and the letters he writes to comfort a young girl who has lost her doll. Nothing is lost if it remains alive in our hearts!

While strolling through the park, Franz Kafka hears the cry of a young girl named Saskia sitting with her mother. When Franz learns that the child has lost her beloved doll, Christiana, Franz reassures her that her doll is traveling the world. Upon their next fortuitous meetings, Franz presents Saskia and her mother with postcards from the lost doll--one from Paris, another from Venice, and finally one from Egypt. When Saskia insists that her doll Christiana come home from her travels, Franz is distraught until he finds a vintage doll in a secondhand shop. Saskia is skeptical--the doll looks old. But when Franz reminds her that we all age from our amazing journeys through life, her heart bursts with joy at their being reunited.

Inspired by a famous story, this moving account of generosity highlights the power of imagination and offers a window into the enigmatic life of one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century.

Review Quotes

"The colors and soft, fine lines of the beautiful illustrations share the events of the story along with the doll's journey. Be sure to examine the end pages which provide a sense of travel and imagination with Franz writing at his table. Besides the paragraph about the author/illustrator, Watts, there is a brief note about Franz Kafka and what sparked the idea for this story. Teachers and readers may find multiple themes for discussion with this title such including what happened to Franz."-- "Children's Literature"

"Sensitive, tender, and gorgeously illustrated."-- "Kirkus Reviews, starred review"

About the Author

Bernadette Watts, known throughout Europe simply as Bernadette, has illustrated many dozens of folk- and fairy tales. Born in England, she loved to draw from childhood. She studied at the Maidstone Art School in Kent, UK, and for some time was taught by Brian Wildsmith and David Hockney. Bernadette's many beautiful books include The Snow Queen and The Little Drummer Boy. Bernadette finds her inspiration in nature. Today she lives and works in Kent. She has been illustrating for NorthSouth Books and NordSüd Verlag since the beginning of her career fifty years ago.