Stepping Stones: A Refugee family's Journey by Margriet Ruurs illustrated by Nizar Ali Badrby

An astonishing book that allows the humanity of refugees to speak louder than politics and introduces readers to one of Syria's incredible artists. Kirkus

Look at the words from Kirkus. I love the word - ASTONISHING! This book is so important it should be a part of every library collection - school libraries and public libraries. I am saying this because I know this book was not purchased by any of the public libraries near my home and only one local school had a copy which sadly they could not find. One small fact that might convince you of the importance of this book. I was very happy to read sales of this book in Canada raised $60,000 for refugees.

Another measure of the importance of this book. I have discovered it has been translated into Dutch, German, Vietnamese, Turkish, Portuguese, Korean and Spanish. In 2017 this book won the Bolen Children's Book Award in Canada (Vancouver Island City of Victoria).

I highly recommend you take a couple of minutes and watch this video which shows Nizar Ali Badr at work creating his stepping stone illustration. You can see full size photos of his work on this BBC News site. Stepping Stones was included with the Lamont Standing order in 2017 and they also provided a set of teaching ideas. If you need further ideas here are a set of notes from University of Queensland Press.

Here is the blurb:

"Rama and her family are forced to leave behind everything they know and love. With only what they can carry on their backs, Rama's family sets out to find refuge in Europe."

You can read more about this book on the Stepping Stones website.

Every public and school library will want this book. It’s so important for us to try to understand the plight of people whose countries have been torn apart by war. Stepping Stones allows us to enter into the feelings and experiences of a young refugee girl, and by so doing, get an idea of her past and her future. It’s a moving story, and one that I hope touches many hearts. The Book Chook

For further reading about the Refugee Experience using picture books take a look at my Pinterest collection.  I would begin with The Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman, Azzi in between by Sarah Garland, Where will I Live and Out by Angela May George.