Welcome by Barroux

 

A Polar Bear and two friends are stranded when a piece of their ice home breaks away and floats off into the ocean. 

As the trio travel their ice platform shrinks. The water is getting warmer. Luckily they bump into an island. Unluckily the cows, who live on this island, refuse to accommodation the trio. The float on. Luckily they bump into another island. Unluckily the solo Panda who lives there also refuses entry to the poor hapless polar bears. Next stop and island with giraffes. I'm sure you have guessed but the girffes won't even listen to the desperate polar bears who now have to stand on a piece of ice the size of one paw. Finally, when the ice is almost gone they reach an uninhabited island. 

The trio settle in to play and enjoy the sunshine until one day three monkeys arrive.

"Can you help us please? It looks like you've got plenty of room."

You now need to find this book to reach the all important - what happens next scene.

Welcome is available in paperback for a really good price.  If you are reading this post in 2021 click this link for a bargain.  I think this book should be an essential addition to every school library. This is one of those splendid picture books which can be read on many levels. It will be enjoyed by your youngest students and should provide some excellent discussion with older groups. Take a look at my Pinterest The Refugee Experience through Picture books. 

The best companion text is Room on our Rock.

This might look like a picture book. It might look as though it's only for children but there's a message in there that we should all take to heart. Book Bag

Welcome, is a beautiful and powerful story that considers human behaviour and its consequences. This seemingly simple tale, is, in fact, multifaceted.  My Book Corner

Inspired by the Syrian refugee crisis, Welcome stands on its own as an uplifting story of friendship and inclusiveness, but also offers an excellent means for beginning a discussion on the world events that children see and have questions about. Celebrate Picture Books

It's actually a powerful message but the way it has been thoughtfully brought across is pitch-perfect. Read it Daddy

You can read more about Barroux in my post about How Many Trees?