Zou and the Box of Kisses

Michel Gay (author/illustrator)

Linda Burgess (Translator)

Gecko Press, NZ: 2011

ISBN: 9781877467745

Genres: picture book

Issues: separation

Little Zou the Zebra is going on a holiday camp. He's very excited about the idea - until his mother starts packing his pyjamas and Zou realises that his parents won't be coming with him. How can he cope with goodmorning and goodnight kisses? Thankfully Zou's parents have a wonderful solution and he goes off to camp carrying a very special red-and-white-striped box.

Originally published in French, this delightful story explores one of the many challenges of growing up - separation. Gay captures completely the conflict that young children feel between wanting to appear mature and independent from their parents, and their need of the reassurance and security that their parents offer. He also reminds readers that they are not alone in going through this distressing state - and that friendship and kindness can make all the difference.

The charming, cartoon-style illustrations use simple lines and limited colour to capture the varying emotions of Zou and his companions as their shared pain becomes shared joy. The grey tones of the zebras allow the very special red-and-white-striped box to glow as strongly as the love between Zou and his parents.