The Journey

A family must flee their homeland when war arrives at their doorstep, embarking on a difficult journey toward safety. Through the mother's determination to protect her children, they face numerous obstacles as they travel across borders. The story follows their path through various landscapes and terrains as they attempt to reach a new home. Their journey requires different modes of transportation and encounters with guards and others along the way. The Journey presents the refugee experience through a child's perspective, using imaginative visual metaphors to convey complex emotions. The narrative touches on universal themes of family bonds, courage, and hope in the face of displacement and loss.

Readers describe this picture book as a powerful tool for teaching children about refugee experiences and fostering empathy. Parents and teachers note it prompts meaningful discussions with kids about migration and human rights. Likes: - Artwork that conveys complex emotions without being too frightening - Accessible way to introduce difficult topics to young children - Universal story that connects with diverse audiences - Effectiveness in classroom settings Dislikes: - Some find the dark imagery too intense for very young children - A few readers wanted more specific cultural/geographic context - Brief length left some wanting more depth Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (400+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "This opened up an hour-long conversation with my 6-year-old about why people leave their homes" -Goodreads reviewer "The metaphorical elements helped my students process the refugee crisis without overwhelming them" -Teacher on Amazon

Stepping Stones by Margriet Ruurs A refugee family's perilous trek from war-torn Syria to Europe unfolds through images of stone artwork.

The Day War Came by Nicola Davies A child's perspective shows how war forces millions to leave their homes and search for safety in new lands.

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams, Khadra Mohammed Two girls in a refugee camp share one pair of sandals while waiting for resettlement to a new country.

The Mediterranean by Armin Greder Black and white illustrations depict a refugee's crossing of the Mediterranean Sea in search of sanctuary.

My Name Is Not Refugee by Kate Milner A mother explains to her son what leaving their home country means as they embark on their journey to safety.

🌍 Author Francesca Sanna interviewed many refugee families across Europe to create this story, combining their experiences into one powerful narrative. ✏️ The illustrations use metaphorical dark shapes and creatures to represent war and fear, making complex emotions accessible to young readers. 🏆 The Journey won the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Author Award and was named a Best Children's Book of 2016 by The New York Times. 🎨 Sanna purposely made the characters' ethnicity and specific country of origin ambiguous, allowing the story to represent refugee experiences worldwide. 📚 The book has been translated into 15 languages and is used in schools across the globe to help children understand the refugee crisis.