This is the story of a rag doll called Efra by her very young owner. Theoriginal was made for Alan, then six months old, by his mother whoshowed very little thought as to practicalities. The pristine white towel-ling material she chose kept getting dirty so it was washed frequently.Between the washing and the rough games Efra played with Alan shelost her hair, her features and the very towelliness that made her so ap-pealing.So it came to pass that one year before Christmas when Alan was goingto get plenty of new toys the said mother thought a good idea to askhim if he minded sending Efra on holiday to France, where the familyhad just been. Alan agreed without hesitation and all was well formonths, while his mother kept observing him for any signs of distressthat would show he was missing the doll. As he did not, one day duringher thorough Spring Cleaning as she sorted out cupboards she foundthe doll and she decided it was safe to put Efra in the dustbin. Unfortu-nately it was clear that Alan missed Efra after all because when gettingready to go on holiday to France as they did every year Alan lit up andsaid ‘Goody! We’ll meet Efra and bring her back!’

His mother still has not recovered from the appalling feelings of guiltthat descended on her at that moment.

The background

Here they are going for a walk with Grandpa roundthe kitchen.

First edition December 2004Second edition October 2008

Third ( eBook ) edition December 2015

This book was written, illustrated, designed and published by thechildren’s Granny and it is not for sale under any circumstances.