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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.