Boxes for Katje

by Candace Fleming

Book Overview

Simple seeds of friendship grow into something extraordinary

After World War II there is little left in Katje's town of Olst in Holland. Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom "thick and bright," Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje's street to deliver a mysterious box - a box from America...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374309221
• ISBN13: 9780374309220
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 9.1" x 11.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Unique and Pleasing

This is a children's book based on a true story. Katje,a dutch girl) becomes a penpal with an american girl. It is a story about long distance friendship and freely giving to one another. Two communities giving to each other a priceless treasure. This book is filled with unique illustrations and color. Reading this story is simply pleasing.

:) Boxes for Katje

Although many other books were nominated, I suggest this one more than Patrol and Papa's mark. Patrol is just war, and Papa's mark is boring for some reason. Anyways, Boxes for Katje is a story about a girl in Holland that recived boxes from America from a generous girl. This girl from America raises money and donation. Katje recieves Chocolate, socks, and food. In return, Katje returns Tulips that grow in the spring. This book got the most votes in our school. I suggest this book to young little kids who are just learning to read. This was written by Amanda Villanueva

An inspiring story of giving from the heart

I read this book to my four-year-old last spring, and while she listened carefully and we talked about the book as we read it, she did not appear to be that enamoured of the book. She asked for repeat readings of Angelina Ballerina, and the Kevin Henkes books we had gotten from the library at the same time, but did not request a repeat of this book. HOWEVER, 4 months later, when I was telling my mother about how moved I was by "Boxes for Katje," I asked my daughter if she remembered the book. She did, and she proceeded to tell her grandmother the entire story, including what was in the each box, and how Katje shared with her neighbors. She remembered the entire story in incredible detail. She ended the re-telling of the story and asked, "Mommy, can we read that book again?" I believe that this story affected her more than I had initially given it credit for, and while she chose the more "fun" books for her evening entertainment, this book had a strong influence. I am now buying this book for our family library, where it will join other inspiring books of giving: The Quiltmaker's Gift, An Orange for Frankie, and many other stories of love and responsibility for one's community.

Heartwarming, Inspiring Story

Boxes for Katje is an excellent story that illustrates the idea that sometimes all it takes is one person to bring about changes - something we should strive to remember.

An inspirational story grounded in history

Written by award-winning picture book author Candace Fleming, and based on the real experiences of her mother, Boxes For Katje is an uplifting picture book whose story is set in Holland after World War II. The war has left behind immense devastation, yet Katje's pen-pal from America has sent a package that is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. An inspirational story grounded in history, Boxes For Katje is wonderfully enhanced for young readers with the artwork of Stacey Dressen-McQueen.