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“This clever and important poem is a powerful reminder of the need to challenge misconceptions and hostility. It shows the importance of seeing the full story and challenging negative narratives. Sadly refugees often face difficulties in their search for safety but clearly there is also much compassion to be found, and real support for people who have faced unimaginable hardship to find safety. This beautiful picture book is a good way of introducing children to this complex issue.”

– Dr. Lisa Doyle, Director of Advocacy, Refugee Council

 

Refugees

Written by Brian Bilston
Illustrated by José Sanabria
Published by Palazzo Editions

Refugees is a book of two voices.

The first one sees the people fleeing from war and persecution and asks, “Why here? Why my country?” It is a feeling many people share. It is one of fear and suspicion.

But when you read the text the opposite way, a new voice emerges. It says, “Why not make them welcome? Why not share the things we have?”

The world is undergoing a period of mass human migration. Whether this is caused by war, persecution or economics, the people we see on the news in those camps are waiting–waiting to live their lives. There are two sides to every debate. There are two sides to a wall. This story shows both sides of the issue with skill and the illustrations depict the issue in a magic realism style, powerful but never frightening, and will promote a deeper discussion on this topic with an older child.

Primary ISBN: 9781786750723
Publication Date: September 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified (Western country)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee

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