The Refuge
By Sandra le Guen
Illustrated by Stephane Nicolet
Translated by Daniel Hahn
June 1, 2020
Amazon Crossing Kids
“There’s a new girl at school. She never stops looking up at the sky! She likes the stars and comets.”
Jeannette tells her mom about her new classmate, who also loves astronomy but seems sad. She realizes it’s not easy to move to a new place. So the next day, at recess, Jeannette asks Iliana to play.
At first, it’s a little hard to communicate because Iliana is learning a new language. The girls have to use their hands and their drawings. But they keep trying, and, soon, Iliana tells Jeannette about her difficult journey as a refugee who had to leave her country. Then their families meet, and Iliana’s parents share their story too. The girls’ friendship blooms, as limitless as the sky and their imaginations.
Originally published in France and brought to life with wonderfully expressive artwork, this is a book about sharing stories and finding refuge in friendship, family, and a new home.
“Le Guen, Nicolet, and Hahn tell a powerful tale about refuge and refugees, helping readers make sense of a complex crisis. A great story to help children understand a refugee’s perspective.” —School Library Journal
Sandra le Guen’s The Refuge is a beautifully executed, timely picture book that explores friendship, compassion, and the lives and journeys of refugees.
Through heartfelt, honest storytelling, told from the perspective of a child, Sandra le Guen tenderly introduces little readers to the world of refugees, while giving a voice to refugee children everywhere. Kindness, hope, and courage are palpably felt through this moving story. Stephane Nicolet’s captivating illustrations are so full of whimsy, imagination, and life, and gorgeously capture the heart of Illiana and Jeannette’s story.
With an important, powerful message told through sweet, engaging storytelling and illustrations, The Refuge is a wonderful must read and share book!
Sandra le Guen is the author of numerous picture books and novels in France. She created a photo exhibition around her writing process and her perception of the world: I write, I create? Learn more online at www.sandraleguen.blogspot.com.
Stéphane Nicolet was born in Burgundy and still lives in France. He has illustrated many nonfiction titles and is now exploring comics and fiction. He has also written and illustrated a children’s cookbook.
Daniel Hahn is an author, editor, and award-winning translator. He recently translated Along the Tapajós, written and illustrated by Fernando Vilela. In 2017, Hahn helped establish the TA First Translation Prize, a new prize for debut literary translation. Learn more online at www.danielhahn.co.uk.
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This book is beautiful and the message is heartwarming and essential in today's world.
ReplyDeleteThat cover is fantastic! This looks like a really beautiful book!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful illustrations
ReplyDeleteI like the images in the book cover. This sounds like an emotional and heartwarming story.
ReplyDeleteNice artwork
ReplyDelete