Awards

• Short-listed for English 4-11 Picture Book Awards 2020

Overview

Refugees is a book of two voices. The first one sees the people fleeing from war and persecution and asks, Why here? Why my country? It is a feeling many people share. It is one of fear and suspicion. But when you read the text the opposite way, a new voice emerges. It says, 'Why not make them welcome? Why not share the peace we have?' The world is undergoing a period of mass human migration. Whether this is caused by war, persecution or economics, the people we see on the news in those camps are waiting – waiting to live their lives. There are two sides to every debate. There are two sides to a wall. This book tells the two voices with balance and skill. It is the perfect book to share with an older child who is struggling to understand the refugee crisis. It does not judge but examines the motives to our opinions and encourages further discussion with parents and teachers. AGES: 6 plus AUTHOR: Brian Bilston is a secretive figure. His true identity is hidden behind his Twitter account. From fragments of information pulled together from various twitter feeds, we know he likes cycling, Vimto and dislikes Jeremy Clarkson. He is a published writer in anthologies. This is his first picture book. Jose Sanabria was born in Columbia and lives in Argentina. He is a highly accomplished artist, illustrator and writer and his books are published around the world. This is his first book English Language book. SELLING POINTS: . A striking picture hardback about the refugee crisis. . A talented and powerful voice from one of the UK's newest social media writers . Beautiful collage illustrations from a highly talented Columbian illustrator

Full Product Details

9781786750723

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Reviews

Stunning and incredibly affecting and emotive. Jose Sanabria's artwork is superb. * Library Mice * Superbly illustrated, Refugees offers a powerful and pertinent message for readers of all ages from KS1 upwards...the book ought to be shared, discussed and pondered upon by all. * Red Reading Hub * A celebration of Brian Bilston's clever poem which shows us that there are two sides to everything. In this book, both readings are illustrated, bringing to life the evocative words through colour and imagery. The book is designed to help children, aged six plus, explore this emotive issue, and discuss the different ways in which the world can be seen. * Books for Children * A beautifully illustrated and clever picture book...will challenge perceptions and is ideal as an impetus for discursive writing and also PSHE discussion in upper KS2. * School Reading List - Picture Book of the Month * A delightful presentation of Brian Bilston's poem. A powerful message for our children and a delightful way to explore the complexity which the poem asks us to consider. * Refugees at Home * This clever and important poem is a powerful reminder of the need to challenge misconceptions and hostility. It shows the importance of seeing the full story and challenging negative narratives. Sadly refugees often face difficulties in their search for safety but clearly there is also much compassion to be found, and real support for people who have faced unimaginable hardship to find safety. This beautiful picture book is a good way of introducing children to this complex issue. -- Dr Lisa Doyle, Director of Advocacy, Refugee Council Both the Brian Bilston poem 'Refugees' and his consequent children's book with artist Jose Sanabria offer empathy, simplicity and genius. If words and minds can be so brilliantly reversed, why not the systems and policies inflicting such cruelty in our world? -- Shami Chakrabarti

"""Stunning and incredibly affecting and emotive. José Sanabria's artwork is superb."" * Library Mice * ""Superbly illustrated, Refugees offers a powerful and pertinent message for readers of all ages from KS1 upwards...the book ought to be shared, discussed and pondered upon by all."" * Red Reading Hub * ""A celebration of Brian Bilston's clever poem which shows us that there are two sides to everything. In this book, both readings are illustrated, bringing to life the evocative words through colour and imagery. The book is designed to help children, aged six plus, explore this emotive issue, and discuss the different ways in which the world can be seen."" * Books for Children * ""A beautifully illustrated and clever picture book...will challenge perceptions and is ideal as an impetus for discursive writing and also PSHE discussion in upper KS2."" * School Reading List - Picture Book of the Month * ""A delightful presentation of Brian Bilston's poem. A powerful message for our children and a delightful way to explore the complexity which the poem asks us to consider."" * Refugees at Home * “This clever and important poem is a powerful reminder of the need to challenge misconceptions and hostility. It shows the importance of seeing the full story and challenging negative narratives. Sadly refugees often face difficulties in their search for safety but clearly there is also much compassion to be found, and real support for people who have faced unimaginable hardship to find safety. This beautiful picture book is a good way of introducing children to this complex issue.” -- Dr Lisa Doyle, Director of Advocacy, Refugee Council ""Both the Brian Bilston poem 'Refugees' and his consequent children's book with artist José Sanabria offer empathy, simplicity and genius. If words and minds can be so brilliantly reversed, why not the systems and policies inflicting such cruelty in our world?"" -- Shami Chakrabarti"

Author Information

Brian Bilston is a secretive figure. His true identity is hidden in a cloud of pipe smoke from his supposed author photograph. From fragments of information pulled together from various twitter feeds, we know he likes cycling, Vimto and dislikes Jeremy Clarkson. He is a published writer in anthologies. This is his first picture book. José Sanabria was born in Columbia and lives in Argentina. He is a highly accomplished artist, illustrator and writer and his books are published around the world. This is his first English Language book.

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