The Journey

"I just think this is a wonderful book. Particularly how she’s written what are terrible and true contemporary tragedies using really very simple storytelling. Although what appears simple is not necessarily simple at all. It’s understated and that understatement is important because it leaves imaginative space for the reader. Francesca Sanna’s illustrations encourage readers to ask questions beyond the words. I just find how she conveys the terror of fleeing your home and becoming a refugee so powerful. And all this tragedy is countered by the depictions of the strength of the mother’s love. Again, I would say this a book about kindness, hope and resilience. These are the qualities the characters need to survive their journey and keep hope alive. And, although it is not a fairy tale, there are some similarities in the qualities the characters possess in order to survive."