• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

An inspiring picture book biography of the pioneering mid-century female visual artist and military officer who never gave up on her dream.

It's 1942 and Molly is an artist through and through. With World War II raging overseas, she wants more than anything to capture with her art what it's like there. She takes a drastic step and joins the Canadian Women's Army Corps in the hopes of realizing this dream, but her commanders believe the front lines are no place for a woman artist. Instead, she's assigned to the cafeteria, to the kitchen, to the garage. Eventually her talent is recognized, but she's dispatched to illustrate cooking manuals and paint theatre scenery—not to the front lines.

Molly never stops marching towards what she wants and keeps writing and drawing in her diary, describing what enlisted life is like for women. Finally, in spring 1945, her dream comes true. Molly becomes Canada's first official woman war artist working overseas.

Looking back it's clear that Molly Lamb Bobak was an unofficial war artist from the day she signed on to the army; her uniquely crafted journal has allowed generations to understand what everyday life was like for Canadian women working as part of the war effort. Jillian Dobson's warm, engaging story brings Molly's determination and optimism to young readers, and Genevieve Simms's dynamic and unique illustrations nod to Molly's vivid, energetic style in this essential Canadian story.

Jillian Dobson delights in discovering stories in the everyday. She's gathered tales through various unofficial and official roles, including museum guide, classroom assistant in Thailand and Brazil, vermicompost coordinator, event planner, real estate broker, and now children's author! Jillian has lived in Alberta and Quebec and now lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario, with her incredible husband, their two inspiring children and a cuddly cat. She's thankful for her supportive family and writing partners Heather Camlot and Loretta Garbutt.

Jillian Dobson's profile page

Sarah Sawler  is the author of 100 Things You Don't Know About Nova Scotia. She writes a monthly column for Atlantic Books Today called “Origin Stories,” and her freelance work appears regularly in Halifax Magazine and Atlantic Business Magazine. She lives in Halifax with her partner, two children, one dog, one cat, and one bearded dragon.

Genevieve Simms' profile page