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From Far Away
Saoussan tells the true story of her family’s flight from war-ridden Lebanon. She wrote a letter to Robert Munsch, and together they made her letter into this book.
33 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
4 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Robert Munsch
268Ìýbooks1,551ÌýfollowersRobert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 2, 2018
When Saoussan immigrated with her family from war-torn Lebanon, she was only seven years old. This picture book tells the story of how she had to adjust to her new home in Canada. She describes the frustration of not understanding the teacher when she started school, not knowing how to ask to go to the bathroom, and being terrified of a Halloween skeleton. This is the perfect book to help kids empathize with immigrant children whose experiences are very similar to Saoussan’s.
We have here a vitally important picture book, sharing the message of inclusivity and belonging, combined with art and color pallets that are undeniable in their beauty. Count me in!
Though it's a relatively quick read, From Far Away leaves anÌýeverlasting impression. One section in particular that had me gripped was aboutÌýSaoussan’s fear of theÌýskeletons hanging up in school forÌýHalloween. I couldn't stop spinning it over and over in my head.
Plus,Ìýthe whole book is just very well curated, where everything, from the art to the accompanying text, flows together wonderfully.
And as always, here are some of my favorite illustrations:
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication: August 8th, 2017
3.5/5 stars
Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying From Far Away, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!
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We have here a vitally important picture book, sharing the message of inclusivity and belonging, combined with art and color pallets that are undeniable in their beauty. Count me in!
Though it's a relatively quick read, From Far Away leaves anÌýeverlasting impression. One section in particular that had me gripped was aboutÌýSaoussan’s fear of theÌýskeletons hanging up in school forÌýHalloween. I couldn't stop spinning it over and over in my head.
Plus,Ìýthe whole book is just very well curated, where everything, from the art to the accompanying text, flows together wonderfully.
And as always, here are some of my favorite illustrations:
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication: August 8th, 2017
3.5/5 stars
Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying From Far Away, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!
Support creators you love. Buy a Coffee for nat (bookspoils) with
August 6, 2019
This is interesting as it is the story of Saoussan when she immigrated to Canada. It’s like her memoir that Robert helped her write. It was written in 1995, but new art was done for it in 2017. It is not like a Robert Munsch story. He has mad cap hilarity in all his stories so I was not expecting this serious story that had something important to say.
It’s a nice story about the fear of a place you don’t know and you can’t even speak the language. All we know is that Saoussan came from a war torn country and she moved to Canada where she didn’t speak English. That would have to be so difficult. Eventually she begins to fit in with people, but it’s a tough transition. It’s a nice first person account of what that is like. I can’t imagine.
The nephew doesn’t really care for serious stories at this point. He didn’t understand why she didn’t speak English to start with. I told him that people speak all kinds of complicated languages, English is only one of many. I think he actually thought this story was ok, but it still bored him. It’s too slow and the only thing to laugh at was when the girl found the paper skeleton and the teacher starts to dance with it. I am glad he read this even if he thought it was boring. He gave it 2 stars. The niece thought this would be a difficult thing to do. She can’t imagine not being able to communicate. She gave this 3 stars.
It’s a nice story about the fear of a place you don’t know and you can’t even speak the language. All we know is that Saoussan came from a war torn country and she moved to Canada where she didn’t speak English. That would have to be so difficult. Eventually she begins to fit in with people, but it’s a tough transition. It’s a nice first person account of what that is like. I can’t imagine.
The nephew doesn’t really care for serious stories at this point. He didn’t understand why she didn’t speak English to start with. I told him that people speak all kinds of complicated languages, English is only one of many. I think he actually thought this story was ok, but it still bored him. It’s too slow and the only thing to laugh at was when the girl found the paper skeleton and the teacher starts to dance with it. I am glad he read this even if he thought it was boring. He gave it 2 stars. The niece thought this would be a difficult thing to do. She can’t imagine not being able to communicate. She gave this 3 stars.
October 18, 2017
Global issues like the refugee crisis can be difficult to talk to children about, but even though it is based on events that took place twenty years ago, From Far Away expertly communicates the universal need to belong somewhere, from the perspective of a child.
Written in the first-person voice of young Saoussan Askar, this story briefly describes the danger of war in her native country (Lebanon, though I don't see this actually stated in the book), and Saoussan's struggles with integrating into the school in Canada, her new home.
She is scared by a skeleton decoration for a school play, and experiences other practical difficulties due to the language barrier. But as she learns English, Saoussan blossoms and begins to make friends and enjoy the activities in school.
The illustrations in this book are very expressive and do a great job of communicating Saoussan's various emotions as she makes the transition from one country to another. This book is a wonderful way to help children hear about some of the many obstacles faced by those who make the brave decision to flee violence, even after the violence is behind them.
(Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.)
Written in the first-person voice of young Saoussan Askar, this story briefly describes the danger of war in her native country (Lebanon, though I don't see this actually stated in the book), and Saoussan's struggles with integrating into the school in Canada, her new home.
She is scared by a skeleton decoration for a school play, and experiences other practical difficulties due to the language barrier. But as she learns English, Saoussan blossoms and begins to make friends and enjoy the activities in school.
The illustrations in this book are very expressive and do a great job of communicating Saoussan's various emotions as she makes the transition from one country to another. This book is a wonderful way to help children hear about some of the many obstacles faced by those who make the brave decision to flee violence, even after the violence is behind them.
(Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.)
October 12, 2018
From Far Away, illustrated by Michael Martchenko.
Presented in letter form, this picture-book from celebrated Canadian author Robert Munsch was created in conjunction with schoolgirl refugee Saoussan Askar, who wrote to him with her story. It follows its young letter-writing protagonist as she and her family move from war-torn Lebanon to Canada, and focuses on her confusion and culture-shock, once in her new country. One particularly memorable experience involves Saoussan seeing a paper skeleton intended as a Halloween decoration, and, thinking it some kind of evil sign or omen of impending conflict, finding it immensely frightening. Eventually though, she learns the language, becomes quite a reader and writer, and feels more at home, even participating in Halloween herself...
Originally published in 1995 with artwork by Michael Martchenko, an illustrator who has collaborated with Munsch on many of his picture-books, From Far Away was reprinted last year (2017) with new artwork by Rebecca Green. The version I read was the original one however, with artwork by Martchenko. I enjoyed the story, which is a bit of a departure from the usual Munsch/Martchenko madcap adventure tale, and thought it worked quite well, in highlighting some of the cultural misperceptions and barriers that might make a refugee's first days in a new country more difficult. I also greatly appreciated the fact that this was a collaborative project involving the young girl whose story it is, as it makes the narrative feel much more authentic. Finally, I appreciated the fact that Saoussan and her family embrace their new country, and don't feel that they can't participate in cultural festivals like Halloween, as I know that this is considered problematic by more fundamentalist adherents of Islam (as well as Christianity, as it happens). Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about the refugee experience.
Presented in letter form, this picture-book from celebrated Canadian author Robert Munsch was created in conjunction with schoolgirl refugee Saoussan Askar, who wrote to him with her story. It follows its young letter-writing protagonist as she and her family move from war-torn Lebanon to Canada, and focuses on her confusion and culture-shock, once in her new country. One particularly memorable experience involves Saoussan seeing a paper skeleton intended as a Halloween decoration, and, thinking it some kind of evil sign or omen of impending conflict, finding it immensely frightening. Eventually though, she learns the language, becomes quite a reader and writer, and feels more at home, even participating in Halloween herself...
Originally published in 1995 with artwork by Michael Martchenko, an illustrator who has collaborated with Munsch on many of his picture-books, From Far Away was reprinted last year (2017) with new artwork by Rebecca Green. The version I read was the original one however, with artwork by Martchenko. I enjoyed the story, which is a bit of a departure from the usual Munsch/Martchenko madcap adventure tale, and thought it worked quite well, in highlighting some of the cultural misperceptions and barriers that might make a refugee's first days in a new country more difficult. I also greatly appreciated the fact that this was a collaborative project involving the young girl whose story it is, as it makes the narrative feel much more authentic. Finally, I appreciated the fact that Saoussan and her family embrace their new country, and don't feel that they can't participate in cultural festivals like Halloween, as I know that this is considered problematic by more fundamentalist adherents of Islam (as well as Christianity, as it happens). Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about the refugee experience.
November 10, 2017
Refugees.
We don’t understand the plight of refugees. We don’t understand why they are leaving their countries. We don’t understand why they are coming to our shores.
But we need to. We need to have empathy instead of politicizing their plight. Instead of having reasons for excluding people from our country, we need to understand.
This book is a step in that direction. This was a great story - and parts of the book made me laugh out loud.
I love how the book shows the introduction of someone to our culture - and how they don’t understand.
And how emotions are international and transcend language barriers.
What really struck me - was how this book was first written over 20 years ago, but is so relevant now.
What made me really sad? (Well, besides the fact that we aren’t accepting of refugees�) Was that this little girl came from a place where a war started, and she was constantly afraid people would start shooting where she is now. And she gets reassured that’s not going to happen here. And maybe when it was written in 1995, that seemed unlikely. But now? I don’t know if we can say we don’t have to worry about shooting with the same confidence.
Thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
We don’t understand the plight of refugees. We don’t understand why they are leaving their countries. We don’t understand why they are coming to our shores.
But we need to. We need to have empathy instead of politicizing their plight. Instead of having reasons for excluding people from our country, we need to understand.
This book is a step in that direction. This was a great story - and parts of the book made me laugh out loud.
I love how the book shows the introduction of someone to our culture - and how they don’t understand.
And how emotions are international and transcend language barriers.
What really struck me - was how this book was first written over 20 years ago, but is so relevant now.
What made me really sad? (Well, besides the fact that we aren’t accepting of refugees�) Was that this little girl came from a place where a war started, and she was constantly afraid people would start shooting where she is now. And she gets reassured that’s not going to happen here. And maybe when it was written in 1995, that seemed unlikely. But now? I don’t know if we can say we don’t have to worry about shooting with the same confidence.
Thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
August 17, 2020
A warm and sweetly illustrated picture book documenting Saoussan's experience as a young Lebanese refugee adjusting to her new life in Canada.
Thank you to Netgalley and Annick Press Ltd. for providing an arc of this for review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Annick Press Ltd. for providing an arc of this for review.
August 12, 2017
'From Far Away' by Robert Munsch and Saoussan Askar with art by Rebecca Green is a picture book about a young immigrant girl in a new country.
The book is based on the experiences of the author Saoussan Askar. When her home country (which is not named) became less safe to live in, her parents made the choice to move to Canada. There were things she didn't like at first, like the long plane ride, or the fact that she couldn't understand the teacher in her new school. The other kids try to help her, but the language barrier makes it difficult. She wants to quit school. Will she ever fit in?
This is a good book to read younger children who may have immigrant classmates. It talks about how strange and sometimes scary a new place can be. The illustrations are very nice and fit well with the story.
Saoussan originally published the book in 1995 when she was still young. A note from the author today tells what she has done in the time since the book was published.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Annick Press Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
The book is based on the experiences of the author Saoussan Askar. When her home country (which is not named) became less safe to live in, her parents made the choice to move to Canada. There were things she didn't like at first, like the long plane ride, or the fact that she couldn't understand the teacher in her new school. The other kids try to help her, but the language barrier makes it difficult. She wants to quit school. Will she ever fit in?
This is a good book to read younger children who may have immigrant classmates. It talks about how strange and sometimes scary a new place can be. The illustrations are very nice and fit well with the story.
Saoussan originally published the book in 1995 when she was still young. A note from the author today tells what she has done in the time since the book was published.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Annick Press Ltd. and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
December 11, 2017
This book was first published in 1995 when the young girl, Sadussan, who tells her story had just immigrated. It has been re-published this year. It's sad to think it feels even more relevant today. At first, briefly, the book begins with the family having their apartment bombed and realizing they must go. Most of the story dwells in Sadussan's challenges at a new school and not understanding anything! A paper skeleton in the hallway frightens her a lot, and among other things, she decides the whole place is crazy and doesn't want to return. Her father says she must and she does when finally she begins to understand. The most poignant part to me that children will need to discuss is when she says she loved going to the zoo with her class, "and nobody shot at us the whole time". Wow! Reading this aloud with follow-up discussions will be a big help to a group of children who can be helped to understand a classmate or other students in the school. Illustrations by Rebecca Green are bold and realistic.
October 6, 2013
On my quest to read all the Munsch books, I discovered this great little book about being an immigrant to Canada from a war-torn country. Musch collects stories from all over, and Saoussan's tale about her first experiences in a Canadian school (trying to understand washroom rules, trying to understand Hallowe'en) gives insight into what it is like to deal with an entirely new culture.
September 11, 2014
3.5 stars
I don't like the device of making this story a letter to someone else. But I did like the honest depiction of the difficulty of moving to the Western World (in this case, Canada) from an area that is so violent and different. This is one that could be used with a unit on current events in the classroom. Interesting story, fairly well done.
I don't like the device of making this story a letter to someone else. But I did like the honest depiction of the difficulty of moving to the Western World (in this case, Canada) from an area that is so violent and different. This is one that could be used with a unit on current events in the classroom. Interesting story, fairly well done.
October 22, 2017
Brilliant book looking at the realities of families being forced to leave their homes to escape violence and the challenges of integrating into a new country, culture and language.
Full review to come on my blog.
Full review to come on my blog.
October 28, 2012
Not a story you'd expect to find in a picture book: it's based on a real letter Munsch received from a Canadian refugee girl. Makes me cry every time.
August 19, 2017
This wonderful children's story provides a much needed message to Canadians about welcoming young refugees into a country unfamiliar to them, promoting more understanding and acceptance!
November 26, 2017
An older version of this title was first published in 1995. This version acknowledges Saoussan Askar's contributions to the story and is presented with a different illustrator. The book is as profound now as it was then. Given the political climate, it might be even more important.
Immigration is part of our story here in North America. Green's illustrations show us a Muslim family who were forced to leave their country because of war. Readers will empathise with Saoussan, as she struggles to make her way in this new land. Her world is fraught with difficulty as she learns a new language and navigates her way through new cultural traditions. Just needing to use the toilet can be a nearly overwhelming obstacle. The Halloween episode is especially poignant. From my teaching experience, it is one of the strangest for children to get used to, and eventually the one that students 'from far away' embrace readily. It also reminds us that many of the children who come from war torn areas have memories of horrific realities that can be triggered by what we consider to be ordinary things.
I especially appreciate how Rebecca Green's illustrations portray the multicultural classrooms I taught in across my teaching career. It both represents the reality and shows us how we can all come together in love and hope for the future.
What I didn't know until I read the note from Saoussan at the end, is that this story is based on her experiences. When she was in second grade she wrote a letter to Robert Munsch telling him of her challenges here in Canada. The two of them exchanged letters and this book was the result. The royalties are split between the two authors.
While learning more about this book I discovered this little film created by the National Film Board of Canada that is based on Saoussan's experiences.
From Far Away, Shira Avni & Serene El-haj Daoud, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
While this story takes place here in Canada, it is an important message for readers everywhere to help us understand and find compassion for others. I highly recommend this book for school and classroom libraries.
Immigration is part of our story here in North America. Green's illustrations show us a Muslim family who were forced to leave their country because of war. Readers will empathise with Saoussan, as she struggles to make her way in this new land. Her world is fraught with difficulty as she learns a new language and navigates her way through new cultural traditions. Just needing to use the toilet can be a nearly overwhelming obstacle. The Halloween episode is especially poignant. From my teaching experience, it is one of the strangest for children to get used to, and eventually the one that students 'from far away' embrace readily. It also reminds us that many of the children who come from war torn areas have memories of horrific realities that can be triggered by what we consider to be ordinary things.
I especially appreciate how Rebecca Green's illustrations portray the multicultural classrooms I taught in across my teaching career. It both represents the reality and shows us how we can all come together in love and hope for the future.
What I didn't know until I read the note from Saoussan at the end, is that this story is based on her experiences. When she was in second grade she wrote a letter to Robert Munsch telling him of her challenges here in Canada. The two of them exchanged letters and this book was the result. The royalties are split between the two authors.
While learning more about this book I discovered this little film created by the National Film Board of Canada that is based on Saoussan's experiences.
From Far Away, Shira Avni & Serene El-haj Daoud, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
, & ,
While this story takes place here in Canada, it is an important message for readers everywhere to help us understand and find compassion for others. I highly recommend this book for school and classroom libraries.
January 25, 2019
I've read plenty of Robert Munsch's picture books, but this one is a little different. Written in conjunction with Saoussan Askar, From Far Away is a mini memoir about Saoussan's journey and integration into Canadian society after fleeing war-torn Lebanon with her family. It's a book that is just as timely today, especially with the current refugee crises around the world.
The story talks a little bit about why Saoussan and her family had to leave their home, but most of the story is about the girl's struggles in her new country. She didn't speak any English at first, so she had a hard time understanding what to do and didn't always understand what was going on (the paper skeleton in her school scared her pretty badly). As children do, though, she picked up the language and began to make friends.
It's awful when a child has to say things like "nobody shot at us the whole time" when they go to the zoo. The sad reality is that many children don't have the safety and security that many others take for granted. That part of the story struck me the most, I think, and it left me wondering how many Saoussans are out there right now, hoping for a place to live where they can go about their lives without having to worry about being killed at any moment.
The illustrations are different in this one. Most of my favourite Munsch books have been illustrated by Michael Martchenko, but his funny, upbeat style wouldn't really fit here, so I can see why a different illustrator was used. The pictures are nice, and help to tell the story well. I didn't love them, but they're perfectly adequate.
Overall, this is an important book that's still relevant today. The people currently fleeing violence might not be from Lebanon, but their hopes and dreams are probably similar. Every child should be able to find a safe home where they can grow up to reach their potential. (The edition I read is from 2017, and it features a little note in the back from Saoussan that tells us what she's been up to since the book was first published in 1995.)
The story talks a little bit about why Saoussan and her family had to leave their home, but most of the story is about the girl's struggles in her new country. She didn't speak any English at first, so she had a hard time understanding what to do and didn't always understand what was going on (the paper skeleton in her school scared her pretty badly). As children do, though, she picked up the language and began to make friends.
It's awful when a child has to say things like "nobody shot at us the whole time" when they go to the zoo. The sad reality is that many children don't have the safety and security that many others take for granted. That part of the story struck me the most, I think, and it left me wondering how many Saoussans are out there right now, hoping for a place to live where they can go about their lives without having to worry about being killed at any moment.
The illustrations are different in this one. Most of my favourite Munsch books have been illustrated by Michael Martchenko, but his funny, upbeat style wouldn't really fit here, so I can see why a different illustrator was used. The pictures are nice, and help to tell the story well. I didn't love them, but they're perfectly adequate.
Overall, this is an important book that's still relevant today. The people currently fleeing violence might not be from Lebanon, but their hopes and dreams are probably similar. Every child should be able to find a safe home where they can grow up to reach their potential. (The edition I read is from 2017, and it features a little note in the back from Saoussan that tells us what she's been up to since the book was first published in 1995.)
September 4, 2017
This real-life story was first published in 1995. With all the turmoil and immigration movement in our world at the present time the story seems even more relevant today.
Seven-year old Saoussan and her family immigrate to Canada from Lebanon because of the war and danger they are experiencing in their native land. She attends a school in Toronto and has a very difficult time adjusting because of her language barrier and her unfamiliarity with Canadian customs and people. Frightened and feeling misplaced she takes it upon herself to fit in (and she does) by learning the language and becoming quite proficient in reading and writing. I love the diversity of the students in her class with one little one in a wheelchair. The kids all work hard to accept her and make her feel safe and part of their class. Her sensitive, caring teacher carefully takes her new student under her wing and helps ease her into her new lifestyle and new Canadian homeland.
This heartfelt story is illustrated beautifully depicting emotions and feelings of Saoussan, her family and those around her at her school. The authors include a message from the real Saoussan, now all grown up, to conclude and give closure to her story. I highly recommend this book and suggest that every classroom and school library have a copy to share and discuss.
Seven-year old Saoussan and her family immigrate to Canada from Lebanon because of the war and danger they are experiencing in their native land. She attends a school in Toronto and has a very difficult time adjusting because of her language barrier and her unfamiliarity with Canadian customs and people. Frightened and feeling misplaced she takes it upon herself to fit in (and she does) by learning the language and becoming quite proficient in reading and writing. I love the diversity of the students in her class with one little one in a wheelchair. The kids all work hard to accept her and make her feel safe and part of their class. Her sensitive, caring teacher carefully takes her new student under her wing and helps ease her into her new lifestyle and new Canadian homeland.
This heartfelt story is illustrated beautifully depicting emotions and feelings of Saoussan, her family and those around her at her school. The authors include a message from the real Saoussan, now all grown up, to conclude and give closure to her story. I highly recommend this book and suggest that every classroom and school library have a copy to share and discuss.
December 19, 2009
Saoussan use to live in a nice place but then a war started. She narrates and tell us her story.
When her family home was bombed, her father decided to come to Canada and get things ready for his family to follow. He sent the plane tickets and it took them two days of travel to get here. Poor Saoussan had air sickness the entire time.
She went to school but didn't know English. One day she went out into the hallway of the school to go to the washroom but she was greeted by a skeleton. She thought people were going to start shooting each other and she screamed. The teacher tried to explain that it was Halloween but Saoussan didn't understand.
Saoussan did learn to read, write, and speak English quickly. The next year, she even wore a mask for Halloween.
This was a fun book that is also educational. It helps explain how different children can come from different countries and have a few barriers at first, such as language. The art work was also top notch, which I have come to expect from Michael Martchenko. Highly recommended.
When her family home was bombed, her father decided to come to Canada and get things ready for his family to follow. He sent the plane tickets and it took them two days of travel to get here. Poor Saoussan had air sickness the entire time.
She went to school but didn't know English. One day she went out into the hallway of the school to go to the washroom but she was greeted by a skeleton. She thought people were going to start shooting each other and she screamed. The teacher tried to explain that it was Halloween but Saoussan didn't understand.
Saoussan did learn to read, write, and speak English quickly. The next year, she even wore a mask for Halloween.
This was a fun book that is also educational. It helps explain how different children can come from different countries and have a few barriers at first, such as language. The art work was also top notch, which I have come to expect from Michael Martchenko. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2017
This story was originally published in 1995 and illustrated by Michael Martchenko. This re-release has been illustrated by Rebecca Green.
This is a timely story with all the immigrants and refugees that have moved to North America over the past 10 years or so. It tells realistically about the fears and struggles of seven year old Saoussan Askar a refugee from Lebanon. She wrote a letter to Robert Munsch about her move and transition to Canada and together they wrote this story. It shows ways that others made her feel welcome and is a model to our young children today. The illustrations show how the classroom population is diverse in ethnicity as well as including a child in a wheelchair. A wonderful story to share with young people today. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
This is a timely story with all the immigrants and refugees that have moved to North America over the past 10 years or so. It tells realistically about the fears and struggles of seven year old Saoussan Askar a refugee from Lebanon. She wrote a letter to Robert Munsch about her move and transition to Canada and together they wrote this story. It shows ways that others made her feel welcome and is a model to our young children today. The illustrations show how the classroom population is diverse in ethnicity as well as including a child in a wheelchair. A wonderful story to share with young people today. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
November 13, 2018
I was a little confused by the frame story of the letter, not realizing how the book came about.
This didn't shy away from a lot of the trauma of being a child and a refugee, which I appreciated. That can come up in unexpected times and places, like with the Halloween skeleton.
This didn't shy away from a lot of the trauma of being a child and a refugee, which I appreciated. That can come up in unexpected times and places, like with the Halloween skeleton.
November 29, 2018
One I had never read by Robert Munsch. Every child deserves to be safe and go to school. How scary it must be for a child to leave the only home they have ever known and come to a country where they do not know the language.
December 28, 2018
I was surprised that this has first been published quite a while ago. It feels current and relevant in helping children to understand the plight of refugees and the difficulties of adapting to life in a new country.
April 3, 2020
Authors Robert Munsch and Saoussan Askar with Illustrator Rebecca Green. In order to avoid a dangerous war, young Saoussan and her family are forced to leave their native land and move far away. From the beginning of the story we are met with the harsh realities of a war: food is scarce, people are shooting one another and a bomb caves in the ceiling of their home. “My father left first and was gone for a long time. Then a letter came with plane tickets to a new country.� Saoussan arrives at her new home, but she finds herself overwhelmed with the changes. She is confused by the language and scared of the new environment. Saoussan finds comfort with her teacher, as she is the only person who seems to understand her transition. In time, Saoussan begins to learn the language and learns enough English to engage with peers, make new friends and be the top of her class! This is a story that every child should read as it helps young learners empathize and teaches them of diversity and inclusion. It speaks of the immigrant experience, the immigrant child who arrives in a new world: a world of confusion and fear. Target Audience: 4-7.
Illustrations: Green is very specific with body language. I believe that’s why this is a great picture book. The physical expression of her characters makes it easy for children to understand inner thoughts and emotions. For example, we can actually see the fear that Saoussan and her family were experiencing. The first page begins with the family huddled together, shoulders hunching, eyes focused - staring in the same direction. As she begins her new journey Saoussan is depicted with that exact same fear and confusion. All the other children smile, look comfortable and engage whereas Saoussan pulls her legs close, smiles little and appears vulnerable. As Saoussan begins to adjust, she’s depicted in a new light: waving, with bright eyes and a wide smile!
One of my favorite creative choices about the illustrations is how Green made it a point to depict children and adults of different backgrounds. You can just see the diversity in every page: children of different genders, ethnicities and different needs. This choice specifically shows children that we can come from different backgrounds and still be one.
Illustrations: Green is very specific with body language. I believe that’s why this is a great picture book. The physical expression of her characters makes it easy for children to understand inner thoughts and emotions. For example, we can actually see the fear that Saoussan and her family were experiencing. The first page begins with the family huddled together, shoulders hunching, eyes focused - staring in the same direction. As she begins her new journey Saoussan is depicted with that exact same fear and confusion. All the other children smile, look comfortable and engage whereas Saoussan pulls her legs close, smiles little and appears vulnerable. As Saoussan begins to adjust, she’s depicted in a new light: waving, with bright eyes and a wide smile!
One of my favorite creative choices about the illustrations is how Green made it a point to depict children and adults of different backgrounds. You can just see the diversity in every page: children of different genders, ethnicities and different needs. This choice specifically shows children that we can come from different backgrounds and still be one.
December 6, 2020
I’m glad we read the version with Rebecca Green’s art because for me, that earned the book its fifth star.
This was a great book to read with the girls. Kait is in French Immersion, so she really understood the idea of not understanding a language. We talked a bit as well about how different cultures celebrate different holidays and so not every child would see a skeleton and understand the Halloween context of it.
This was a great book to read with the girls. Kait is in French Immersion, so she really understood the idea of not understanding a language. We talked a bit as well about how different cultures celebrate different holidays and so not every child would see a skeleton and understand the Halloween context of it.
November 1, 2018
From Far Away is unique because it is written by a little girl and was published when she was in the 5th grade. In this biography, she tells her story of her schooling experience after she immigrated from Lebanon. The story is age-appropriate and written in a way that children can understand. Because the author was a child, children are able to connect with the story. The story prompts readers to think about the privilege of living in a country where safety and security is provided. The problem of the story is the language barrier that prevents the little girl from communicating her fear with others. It also prevents others from communicating reassurance to her. As the story progresses, she talks about how she learned English, learned to communicate, and began feeling safe in her new country. The illustrations are beautiful and enhance the story that is told. Readers are captivated by the images portrayed. The characters in the story represent a variety of cultural groups. The main character and her family are Lebanese, the children in her new class reflect different races and different ethnic backgrounds, the teacher of the class appears to represent a minority cultural group, and one student has a disability. The problems, feelings, and emotions faced by the main character are genuine and complex.
October 18, 2017
Saoussan is a second grader, she is seven years old, she came from far away, and she frames her story as if she is talking directly to the reader, her reading buddy. Saoussan tells her story of coming to Canada from her home country where a war started. With the war came bombings, a lack of food, and people being shot at. When she gets to Canada her father tells her to be good and listen in school, but Saoussan doesn't speak English, so she can't understand the teacher or the other students. School it difficult at first and she doesn't want to go back, but over time, Saoussan begins to learn English and becomes the best reader and speller in her class. She's so good at speaking English that her teacher complains that she never stops talking to her friends! Saoussan shares bits and pieces of her new life, giving a glimpse of what it is like to immigrate to a new country.
From Far Away gives a personal look at immigration and humanizes a sometimes abstract concept. The book addresses issues like violence head on by stating more than once that people were shot at in Saoussan's unnamed home country, but it is not graphic, just realistic. From Far Away is a good book for introducing or reinforcing the concept of immigration for elementary-aged children.
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
From Far Away gives a personal look at immigration and humanizes a sometimes abstract concept. The book addresses issues like violence head on by stating more than once that people were shot at in Saoussan's unnamed home country, but it is not graphic, just realistic. From Far Away is a good book for introducing or reinforcing the concept of immigration for elementary-aged children.
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.
July 21, 2018
From Far Away is a children's picture book written by Robert Munsch with Saoussan Askar and illustrated by Rebecca Green, which tells the real life immigration story of Saoussan Askar and how she and her family escaped Lebanon during the Lebanon Civil war in the late 80s.
Munsch's text is rather uncharacteristic of the books I have read from him. The text wasn't outlandish or funny, but it is rather simple, straightforward and somewhat poignant. I think that Munsch emulated Askar's voice and written the story as such. Green's illustrations are wonderfully depicted and somewhat simple, but depicted the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It recounts a little girl name Saoussan who immigrated to Canada, because her home is no longer safe for her to live. Life in Canada is difficult at first, because she couldn't understand or speak to anyone outside her family and although life was difficult and she wanted to return home at least she isn't being shot at here. Eventually, she learns how to speak and make new friends and the story closes having her teacher wishing that Saoussan wouldn't talk too much.
All in all, From Far Away is a wonderful children's book depicting the difficulties of an immigrant child has while learning to adapt to a new country, but endures it all to find a new home that is safe.
Munsch's text is rather uncharacteristic of the books I have read from him. The text wasn't outlandish or funny, but it is rather simple, straightforward and somewhat poignant. I think that Munsch emulated Askar's voice and written the story as such. Green's illustrations are wonderfully depicted and somewhat simple, but depicted the text rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It recounts a little girl name Saoussan who immigrated to Canada, because her home is no longer safe for her to live. Life in Canada is difficult at first, because she couldn't understand or speak to anyone outside her family and although life was difficult and she wanted to return home at least she isn't being shot at here. Eventually, she learns how to speak and make new friends and the story closes having her teacher wishing that Saoussan wouldn't talk too much.
All in all, From Far Away is a wonderful children's book depicting the difficulties of an immigrant child has while learning to adapt to a new country, but endures it all to find a new home that is safe.
July 14, 2017
This story is derived from a letter written by a young girl in second grade. She moved to Canada and writes about all of her difficulties she crosses when trying to fit into a new life. She explains them as 'funny' things that happen to her. When Saoussan (the young girl) came, the other students made it clear that she was very different -- she overcomes this and becomes quite the talker. She tells several stories in this book, like her first Halloween.
I believe this book is a wonderful source to help students understand how refugees feel. When a student reads this, they are either a peer or possibly older than Saoussan. Reading this allows for a student to understand a sense that this happens to real people whom are the same as you and I are. She clearly has difficulties learning new things but like everyone else, she is able to persevere and overcome difficulties. This book will help students realize that they need to be a friend in a time of need
I believe this book is a wonderful source to help students understand how refugees feel. When a student reads this, they are either a peer or possibly older than Saoussan. Reading this allows for a student to understand a sense that this happens to real people whom are the same as you and I are. She clearly has difficulties learning new things but like everyone else, she is able to persevere and overcome difficulties. This book will help students realize that they need to be a friend in a time of need
July 21, 2017
"So far, my favorite part of grade two is the trip our class took to the zoo. We got to see the pandas and monkeys and eat pizza and nobody shot at us the whole time."
This a poinient story of a refugee, as told by the refugee to Robert Munich, after she had been in the country for about two years. It is very simple, but to the point. Being married to a former refugee, the quote above says it all, that you can go out, and not get shot at is a big deal about moving to a new country.
Great book to introduce children to the concept of refugees, and why they have to immigrate.
This was first written in 1996, and now, in 2017, there is a new afterward by the co-author, Saoussan, what has happened to her in the 11 years since the book first was written.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This a poinient story of a refugee, as told by the refugee to Robert Munich, after she had been in the country for about two years. It is very simple, but to the point. Being married to a former refugee, the quote above says it all, that you can go out, and not get shot at is a big deal about moving to a new country.
Great book to introduce children to the concept of refugees, and why they have to immigrate.
This was first written in 1996, and now, in 2017, there is a new afterward by the co-author, Saoussan, what has happened to her in the 11 years since the book first was written.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 28, 2017
*thank you to Annick Press Ltd and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 stars
Ohh I just want to hug Saoussan!! She is a beautiful girl who came from Lebanon to Canada when she was only 7 years old. This is a huge change for such a little girl and showing readers what its like when you go from one country to another really makes this an eye opener. Saoussan tries to fit in at school and at first she is very scared as she does not understand everything around her. She does not speak english and does not understand the difference in the cultures. She soon, little by little, adjusts with the help of a loving, caring and supportive teacher and parents. This story tells readers to be patient with some people who are new, and trying to work things out. Its an adorable book and a really positive, heart felt one at that. Would definitely recommend.
4.5 stars
Ohh I just want to hug Saoussan!! She is a beautiful girl who came from Lebanon to Canada when she was only 7 years old. This is a huge change for such a little girl and showing readers what its like when you go from one country to another really makes this an eye opener. Saoussan tries to fit in at school and at first she is very scared as she does not understand everything around her. She does not speak english and does not understand the difference in the cultures. She soon, little by little, adjusts with the help of a loving, caring and supportive teacher and parents. This story tells readers to be patient with some people who are new, and trying to work things out. Its an adorable book and a really positive, heart felt one at that. Would definitely recommend.
October 25, 2017
From Far Away is a great book to help students understand some of the feelings and fears of their immigrant classmates. This book presented a clear explanation of characters, a problem and solution, and a theme. This relates to my text set because it demonstrates the experience of a female. The main character Saoussan is a female and her teacher who helped her is too. One day, Saoussan was frightened by a paper skeleton, and her teacher comforted her simply with a hug. This enabled her to feel more comfortable in her new country. Saoussan was born in Lebanon and emigrated to Toronto, Canada during the Civil War 1989. She wrote to the author, Robert Munsch, her story, and he created this book when she was in the fifth grade.
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