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Award-winning author and doll historian Karen B. Kurtz has published books, essays, poetry, and countless articles for readers of all ages. Karen's fifth book, Sophia's Gift, has won four book awards, praise from Her Majesty Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom, and recommended reviews from US Review of Books, Midwest Book Review, and others. Articles in DOLLS and Paperdoll Review describe Karen's research findings for the antique doll Grace Darling and the Victorian British icon Grace Horsley Darling. Karen grew up in Iowa, graduated college in Kansas and Indiana, and studied in El Salvador and Costa Rica. A former elementary school teacher, college administrator, editor, publisher, and consultant, she holds a master's degree from Indiana University. She is at work on new book development, magazine commissions, and virtual programs. www.karenbkurtz.com Loran Chavez is an award-winning, self-taught artist with representation in several Gulf Coast galleries. Her art career began nine months after she and her family were involved in an automobile accident that left Loran with a permanent injury. She went back to painting, something enjoyed during childhood, to help her work through the pain of the accident. Loran's diligence paid off. She became well known after 10 years. Loran's art is now found in collections all over the world. She competes in 12 to 15 juried art competitions every year, which allows travel opportunities. Loran enjoys mentoring other artists, and delights in teaching children a love of art and recycled art forms through summer-long experiences. She eagerly takes on new projects that expand her knowledge of the arts. Loran's house is the largest art project she has ever created. The master bath is an underwater scene she designed and created from vitreous and glass tiles. It took more than six months to complete. She also helped to design unique home spaces that surprise and delight visitors.
Midwest Book Review, Gale Cengage Learning Interactive Series. Few books provide a glimpse into the daily life of women and children during the American Civil War; fewer still talk about Jewish Confederates. Sophia's Gift is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, middle school, and community library collections as well as Civil War History and Jewish History picture book collections for young readers. www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/nov_22htm#Picturebook US Review of Books, RECOMMENDED by Joslyn Vann. A unique perspective on a difficult time in American history from one family's perspective. The author uses creativity and skill to incorporate aspects of Jewish culture into the tale. She also handles delicate topics with care, ensuring that the story is age-appropriate for young readers. Kurtz accurately depicts the hardships of war and its impact on civilian families. Important themes include generosity, self-sacrifice, and joy during difficulty. Chavez's colorful illustrations bring the story to life. A powerful message of resilience that encourages readers to see the beauty in life and dance in the face of adversity. Sophia's Gift is a wonderful example of trading beauty for ashes. https: //www.theUSreview.com/reviews-1/Sophias-Gift-by-Karen-B-Kurtz.html ""I really enjoyed this story. I liked how grateful everyone was and the kindness shown toward each other. Illustrations are beautiful, too.""--Taylor Barnett, age 10 ""Sophia's Gift piques a reader's interest to learn more about civilian lives during the American Civil War and encourages them to see dolls as constant companions, through the best and worst of times."" --Antique DOLL Collector, Monica Bessette. ""Kurtz nailed content in Sophia's Gift! Chavez's illustrations impart a fuller meaning to the story.""--Doll Castle News, Editor Dorita Mortensen. ""Sophia's Gift brings Grace Darling to life for visitors at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia.""--DOLL NEWS, Editor Linda Holderbaum. ""a fast-paced picture book that speaks to the universal truths of courage, compassion, and perseverance. Such a message is eternal and will survive any war."" --Paperdoll Review, Editor Jenny Taliadoros. "". . . illuminates friendship between a wounded soldier and the Jewish mother and daughter who nurture him back to health.""--Southern Jewish Life, Publisher Lee Green. "". . . what a charming and lovely way to pass along what was a footnote in American history to a new, more diverse generation in full book form!""--Elizabeth Ann Coleman, dollology expert and author. ""Readers enjoy doll stories, especially those that portray antique dolls accurately, and Sophia's Gift will not disappoint. Wonderful gift for children and collectors alike!""--Jan Foulke, antique doll specialist and author. ""Sophia's Gift stirs imagination, curiosity, and emotion. Sophia's doll, named after the real-life hero Grace Horsley Darling, embodies the love and bravery that Sophia and her mother need to survive a family-separating, heart-breaking war. Intertwining stories of the family, the doll Grace Darling, and a wounded soldier show the difference made by caring and sharing."" --Glenda Richmond Slater, author. "". . . a brightly illustrated picture book introducing children to the hardships of the American Civil War.""--The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, United Kingdom. ""Sophia's Gift is a window into the Civil War.""--Researcher Matt Gottlieb, Virginia Department of Historical Resources.
