Story Boat by Kyo Maclear illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

A timely and uplifting book about and for refugees. KirkusStar

Elegantly composed and beautifully depicted, Story Boat is the perfect vehicle to spark sensitive discussions and foster compassion for newcomers. Quill and Quire

Here is the blurb:

"Every morning things keep changing for a little girl and her brother forced to flee the home they've always known. In an uncertain time, where can they turn for hope?"

The key word here is flee.  Yes this is a book about the refugee journey but it is designed for a young child - I would say 6+.  Each day the journey of a group of adults and two children continues and each day feels the same but these beautiful children have a wonderful imagination. Their cup becomes a boat, the blanket is now their sail. In the distance they can see the lamp on a lighthouse. The children do have paper and pens and so they write and write until eventually their story boat delivers them all to a safe place.

"Here is our journey

That holds the warmth of a cup.

The softness of a blanket.

The brightness of a lamp.

The strength of a flower

And the openness of a story."

This is an important book but it is also a book filled with hope. I think this book should be added to all school library collections and it should be shared alongside:

Kyo Maclear is a Canadian author. Rashin Kheiriyeh was born in Iran and she now lives in Washington DC. Here is my Pinterest collection of books that explore the experiences of refugees.