Girl Takes Drastic Step!: How Molly Lamb Bobak Became Canada’s First Official Woman War Artist

by Jillian Dobson, Genevieve Simms (illustrator)

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.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of the hard won success of Molly Lamb, an artist first and foremost. She combined successfully her artistic talent with her career in the Canadian Women's Army Corps, despite fierce resistance from the male dominated hierarchy. It was a struggle. Of value as a personal story and as a tale representative of all the barriers women have experienced. I enjoyed the depictions of her working on machinery and being mechanical. A true Renaissance woman who is at last being appropriately recognized for her wartime work. Successfully aimed at the young reader. Bonus is a small bibliography which will make for further reading.

[Sandra Appleby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had avoided reading this book for a little while as the title didn't appeal to me but I was missing out! The text flows like art. The lyrical and inviting refrain of 'sketch, doodle, draw', connects the reader to Molly Lamb Bobak and makes her very relatable. The book includes so much interesting information in a very accessible format. Who knew there were so many different ways that an artist could work within the military. Beautifully written and inspirational for young people. Don't let the title stop you, it is a must read.

[Patricia J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story to inspire young dreamers to persevere when meeting obstacles. Molly Lamb wants to be a War Artist, but the powers that be keep refusing her requests. Does she give up? No! She continues to doodle and draw and send her art everywhere. Sometimes it earns her positions she'd rather not have...but eventually, she finds herself headed to Europe, finally getting to be the artist she knew she could be. Young girls will especially enjoy this look at history and continue to strive for equal treatment in every walk of life.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this book for my niece (10) to read to my nephew (4) as part of my tradition bringing them local books from places I travel. So happy that they will have the opportunity to learn about Molly and her perseverance, and to consider what their “headlines” will be. It’s short but informative, educational but fun, with a lovely, unique illustration style. Thank you to the author and illustrator for showcasing women’s roles in history by sharing Molly’s story!

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love this biography that skillfully shares details about the life of Molly Lamb. I learned a lot about the Canadian Women’s Army Corps and about being a war artist from both the text and the realistically detailed illustrations. Molly’s story is empowering and reminds readers of the importance of resilience, persistence, dreams, and passion. Children will enjoy learning about this time in history through Dobson’s and Simms’s powerful biography.

[Jane Blondie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important book! I learned so much and my students did as well! What an interesting and important story. Bravo to Jillian Dobson for introducing such a remarkable Canadian female heroine!