Hello God, Kate here... Can We Talk?

Moya Simons (author)
Lisa Coutts (illustration)

Angus & Robertson, Australia: 2007; 150pp

ISBN: 0732285348

Genres: realistic fiction

Issues: bullying, death, family, friendship, loss/grief, religion

A gentle, warm-hearted, thought-provoking book designed to open the reader's mind to the big questions.

Kate is a popular, sociable girl who likes to talk - to anybody and everybody and, in this instance, to God. In her nightly ‘chats' she shares her opinions about the new girl at school, the ‘out' crowd, the problem of ants drowning in puddles...

But Kate's thoughts become more serious and anxious as she faces some unexpected changes. Firstly, she has to wear glasses and fears that she, too, will be called ‘four eyes' as she and her friends have called Stephanie, the new girl. When her mother becomes pregnant, Kate isn't sure she wants siblings.

Then there is Stephanie. Apart from her glasses, she's a nerd - not Kate's type at all. Yet somehow they become friends, as Kate realises ‘the new girl' and she have quite a bit in common. But Kate is used to being part of the ‘in' crowd and Stephanie is very much a ‘dork' in the social standings.

Kate's not quite sure how to cope with all these changes in herself and her world but talking to God seems to help - although it would be much more helpful if He would answer once in a while!

The major stumbling block when constructing this kind of monologue is that the reader is always aware that God is generally accepted as being omniscient. What, therefore us the point in telling Him about your day's experiences? He watched every action, heard every word. Simon's careful structuring mostly managed to maintain narrative fluency without too many awkward or terribly self-conscious moments.

What makes this a valuable contribution to children's literature, however, is the way the author allows Kate to express and explore the central issues of faith, especially the challenges of freedom of choice. Kate's conversations with God are not merely those of a young child but also someone coming to terms with a world where bad things happen to good people, where her choices and behaviour affect others, and where she may never fully understand why some things are the way they are.

A gentle, warm-hearted, thought-provoking book designed to open the reader's mind to the big questions, this is definitely one to share with the family.

Parallel reading: Mr God, this is Anna