1. Activism
2. Art techniques
3. Book design
4. Collage
5. Daughters
6. Domestic life
7. Emotions
8. Family
9. Fathers
10. Historical fiction
11. History
12. Humanity
13. Kindness
14. Letters
15. Mothers
16. Soldiers
17. Visual literacy
18. War
19. WW1

Based on a true exchange between Lance Corporal A. McDougall and a young girl, ‘Message in a Sock’ is a stirring and touching account which pays respect to the ANZACs and their families, a century after the end of World War I.

The story is told through the eyes of a young girl, Tammy, who longs for her father to return safely from the war front. Her mother, like many other women, knits socks for the soldiers and into each pair Tammy slips a message inside. But will her special message find her father, and bring him safely home?

Kaye Baillie has created a story which cleverly highlights the importance of being part of something much larger than yourself and is a tribute to individuals who make a difference by making what may seem like small contributions.

The illustrations by Narelda Joy are striking collages which are intricate and detailed, adding visual interest to the narrative. The soft colours add to the emotive feel of the story and help to create a sombre tone whist bringing warmth to the story. Joy recreated the WW1 era with detailed and historically accurate clothing, house interiors and trench scenes. The miniature socks featured in the book measure about 6cm high and were lovingly knitted by the illustrator’s sister, Amanda, using five tiny 2mm knitting needles to make an actual three-dimensional sock.

‘Message in a Sock’ was Shortlisted for 2019 NSW Premier’s History Award: Young People’s History Prize

1. Midnight Sun Publishing. Teaching notes for ‘Message in a Sock’ https://midnightsunpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Teacher_Notes_Message_in_a_Sock.pdf
2. The Conversation, 11 August 2014. Prudence Black writes ‘One million pairs of socks: knitting for victory in the First World War’ https://theconversation.com/one-million-pairs-of-socks-knitting-for-victory-in-the-first-world-war-30149
3. Kaye Baillie, Author notes https://kayebaillie.com/book/message-in-a-sock-by-kaye-baillie/
4. Reading Time, Book 21 June 2018. Raquel Mayman reviews ‘Message in a Sock’ https://readingtime.com.au/message-in-a-sock/
5. State Library NSW, 22 May 2020. ‘Message in A Sock’ shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s History Awards -Young Peoples History Prize https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/awards/young-peoples-history-prize/2019-shortlisted-message-sock-and-narelda-joy
6. Books and Publishing 1 March 2018. Louise Pfanner reviews “Message in A Sock’ Books and Publishing 1 March 2018. Louise Pfanner reviews “Message in A Sock’
7. Kids’ Book Review, 24 April 201. JO Burnell reviews ‘Message in a Sock’ http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2018/04/review-message-in-sock.html
8. ReadPlus, 15 April 2018. Barbara Braxton reviews ‘Message in a Sock’ https://www.readplus.com.au/reviews/message-in-a-sock-by-kaye-baillie
9. Just Kids Lit, 12 June 2020 Debra Tidball ‘Show and Tell with Kaye Baillie’ https://www.justkidslit.com/show-and-tell-with-kaye-baillie/
10. National Archives of Australia ‘Measure for Knitting Socks for Soldiers- Red Cross initiative Measure for knitting socks for soldiers - Red Cross initiative | naa.gov.au
11. Camden History Notes, 17 April 2020. ‘The patriotism of the wartime sock knitter’ https://camdenhistorynotes.com/2020/03/10/wartime-sock-knitting/#