“Boxes for Katje”
by Candace Fleming. Illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen.
Melanie Kroupa Books, New York, 2003, 40 pages, GradesK-3.
War leaves death and destruction in its wake. When peace finally arrives, the after effects continue for the victims of the tragedy. Much can be learned about the character of people from their responses to those still suffering.
After World War II, many countries in Northern Europe suffered devastation leading to famine and deprivation. In the small country of the Netherlands, this was especially true. The painful situation of the Dutch soon became known to people in the United States. Then an important thought entered the mind of a thoughtful, young Indiana girl: maybe she could send some clothing and chocolate to a young Dutch girl. This would give the child some warm clothes and bring some delightful candy to her.
Candace Fleming writes the true life experiences of her mother’s letter-writing and gift-giving to a Dutch child after World War II. The name of this beautiful story is “Boxes for Katje.”
As the brutal winter of 1945 descends on the small town of Olst, Netherlands. the town’s postman, Mr. Kleinhoonte delivers a small box to an impoverished Dutch child named Katje Van Stegeran. Completely surprised, she opens the box and finds a pair of woolen socks and a bar of soap. Her mother joyously tells the stunned girl that now she can take a bath with real soap instead of the gritty homemade soap that they have used during the war.
But there is more in the box. There is a letter from an American girl named Rosie Johnson. The letter tells Katje that Rosie hopes the message and presents will brighten her day. Then in wonderment, Katje reaches again into the bottom of the box and finds a bar of chocolate. It has been years since she has eaten chocolate. Katje looks at her family and at Mr. Kleinhoonte and decides to share the delicacy with them. Then, she quickly writes a letter back to her new American friend, thanking her for the gifts.
Rosie writes back and sends more presents to Katje. The Dutch child is overwhelmed by Rosie’s kindness and soon the children become pen pals. Upon hearing about the child’s gift-giving, the adults in the Indiana town become involved, and large boxes filled with clothes, food and chocolate soon arrive in Olst. These clothing and food items get the people through the hard winter.
In the spring, Katje and the other people of Olst look out on their beautiful tulip gardens. What do they have to send back to their new friends in Indiana to show thanks? They make a generous decision. What choice do they make?
This is a wonderful story about charity and thanksgiving. We see the great needs of the Dutch people after the war and the response of American children and adults to these needs. The illustrations in this book are filled with joy and optimism. In return, readers will see the gratitude that the Dutch feel for the gifts they have been given. Their own gifts to their American friends are delightful and long-lasting.
This book was meant to be shared within a family or classroom. It just can’t be beat for showing the greatness of heart that people can choose to develop. I hope you get a chance to go to the library and check out this poignant story. It moved my heart and I think you will feel the same. Enjoy!
