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Wishes: A powerful story about one refugee family's search for a new home

by Muon Thi Van (author) and Victo Ngai (illustrator)

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Suitable for 5 - 6 years

eur prices: Price: €13.50; Rewards price: €16.89

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Product description

A lyrical picture book and a moving reflection on immigration, family and home.Wishes tells the powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family’s search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that makes on the littlest member of the family. Inspired by actual events in the author’s life, this is a narrative that is both timely and timeless. Told through the eyes of a young girl, the story chronicles a family’s difficult and powerful journey to pack up what they can carry and to leave their world behind, traveling to a new and unknown place in a crowded boat. Wishes tells a powerful and timely story in a gentle and approachable way for young children and their families. With themes of kindness, bravery, hope, and love running throughout, Wishes is a must-have book for every child’s bookshelf.

With poetic and lyrical text from acclaimed author Muon Thi Van
Contains thoughtful back matter about the author’s connection to the story
Stunning illustrations from Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Victo Ngai

Our July 2021 Ages 3-4 Book of the Month

Sometimes a book comes along, and you are not really sure where to place it because it works on different levels. But you know it is an important book, with a story that needs to be told and shared with the widest possible audience. This story of a refugee family seeking a new home is one of them, and is inspired by the author’s personal experience. I’ve put as my 3+ pick as the text is very sparse, but it’s messaging really carries it to older children of up to age 7. I feel the illustrator sums this up far better than anything I could say:

‘There are only 75 words in total yet a substantial amount of story and emotion are packed in between the lines… The restraint and omission make the story all the more powerful.’

A very thought-provoking, powerful and timely book, particularly resonant at the moment. This book is a great conversation starter about an important topic, it’s incredibly moving and the illustrations are simply breathtaking.