Overview

For young Ali, a former refugee from Afghanistan, “home” is where his family is together. Although his family is safe in their new country, Ali finds himself wishing he could go back to Afghanistan. A day spent picking blackberries with Nana reminds him of their old house with the mulberry tree he loved, and the day the soldiers came. He recalls their nighttime flight and the crowded buses and airplane that took him to this beautiful but unfamiliar place. When Ali and Nana spot a bluebird, she tells him to make a wish. Ali wishes to go home, but, as he comes to learn, home is not a place. Home is the love his family has for each other. In If You See a Bluebird, Bahram Rahman, author of ALA Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book A Sky-Blue Bench, reflects on the experience of former refugees as they learn to adapt and embrace a new country and a new home. Award-winning illustrator Gabrielle Grimard incorporates rich and varied colour palettes to capture Ali’s two worlds. A story of family togetherness that redefines the meaning of home.

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9781772782844

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Reviews

Praise for If You See a Bluebird “The story thrums with the sadness of places left behind and the danger that forces people to leave....The vivid illustrations demarcate the past and present by contrasting the bright blue skies and rolling green plains of Ali’s new home with the rustic terracotta hues of his homeland. A sweetly sentimental story that places people at the heart of a home.”—Kirkus  “This book comes with a bit of a pedigree…Bahram is, himself, from Afghanistan and his books take their inspiration from that land.”—School Library Journal, Fuse 8

Praise for If You See a Bluebird 49th Shelf Fall 2023 “Most Anticipated Books for Young Readers” Selection CBC Books “45 Picture Books to Check Out This Fall 2023” Selection “The story thrums with the sadness of places left behind and the danger that forces people to leave....The vivid illustrations demarcate the past and present by contrasting the bright blue skies and rolling green plains of Ali’s new home with the rustic terracotta hues of his homeland. A sweetly sentimental story that places people at the heart of a home.”—Kirkus  “If You See a Bluebird is more than a book. It's an experience. A journey. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever wondered about the true meaning of home. It's a story that transcends age. It teaches us about love, home, and the strength of the human spirit. For educators, this book could serve as a valuable tool. It introduces children to the experiences of refugees. It fosters empathy and understanding.”—CM Magazine “After being forced to flee his home in Afghanistan with his family, a boy makes a wish for the fighting to stop so they can return; his grandmother helps him understand that home is not a place but the people you hold in your heart….Urging compassion, this picture book will open up conversations.”—Foreword Reviews  “This book comes with a bit of a pedigree…Bahram is, himself, from Afghanistan and his books take their inspiration from that land.”—School Library Journal, Fuse 8 “A good story to share and to discuss what makes you feel safe and at home.”—The International Educator “This is another great title…by award winning author of The Library Bus and A Sky-Blue Bench. Inspiring!”—Dr. Larry Recommends

Praise for If You See a Bluebird “This book comes with a bit of a pedigree…Bahram is, himself, from Afghanistan and his books take their inspiration from that land.”—School Library Journal, Fuse 8

Author Information

Bahram Rahman was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and grew up during the civil war and the first Taliban regime. He came to Canada as a refugee in 2012, and today is a senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Health in Ontario. Bahram’s first picture book, Governor General’s Literary Award finalist The Library Bus, was praised by the New York Times for documenting the barriers to education experienced by girls in war-torn countries and their resilience and ingenuity in overcoming them. His 2021 picture book A Sky-Blue Bench was an honor book for the ALA Schneider Family Book Award, among many other honors.  Gabrielle Grimard transformed her love of design into a career in illustration over the course of her studies at Concordia University and the University of Quebec. In 2018, Gabrielle’s picture book Stolen Words won the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award and was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children’s Book Award. Not My Girl was a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Her creativity has been applied to children’s publishing, advertising, and educational contexts.

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