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‘There’s so much for us all to learn not least about the power of love and art and the strength of the human spirit.”

– LoveReading

“helpful when discussing refugees in general and especially if any child has experienced trauma.”

– The School Librarian

Adnan: The Boy Who Helped His Mummy Remember

Written by Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton
Illustrated by Diala Brisly
Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Adnan is the heartwarming story of a refugee boy’s attempts to heal his mother’s mental health issues with the power of his creativity as they rebuild their lives in their new home.

Sometimes, when something sad happens, people can push it so far down because it hurts too much.
That’s why Mummy doesn’t remember.

This touching and sensitively told children’s book is a story about a boy and his mother, about trauma and recovery, and how to deal with the challenges of mental health.

It tells the story of an imaginative ten-year-old Syrian refugee boy who flees his home country with his mother. Now settled in the UK, he must use all his creativity to break through his mother’s PTSD or risk losing her forever.

The book is based on a short film of the same name, which has collected multiple awards and made Official Selection at its first Oscar qualifying festival.

Inspired by her own experiences as a refugee, Syrian artist Diala Brisly’s illustrations are powerful and evocative, highlighting the contrast between Adnan’s hope and the helplessness of the mother.

Primary ISBN: 9780711267091
Publication Date: May 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United Kingdom

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee, On Journey

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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