"Malia goes to her room. What should she bring?
Everything!
Starts a pile.
Rabbit and Turtle.
Blankets and pillows and books.
LOTS of books.
Her family of teddy bears."
As we listen to the news concerning the many evacuations in Alberta and British Columbia as wildfires burn out of control, do we only see the stress from our own point of view? The question often asked of us concerns what we would take if a fire broke out in our homes. Do we ask the children?
Lorna Schultz Nicholson did just that when she and her husband were evacuated from their summer home in Kelowna. She asked their neighbors how the children dealt with the immediacy of leaving almost everything behind them. This new book is based on some of their answers.
Malia is playing in the yard when she sees smoke. Almost immediately, a stranger comes to the door with information for her mother. Then, Daddy comes home even though it is the middle of the day. Something is going on. Her parents explain to Malia that they need to leave their house for safety reasons. The fire is coming too close.
As her parents prepare for leaving, Malia hides in fear behind the sofa. Malia wants to take everything of importance to her, including her tree fort. Daddy patiently explains that only small things can go with them. What a decision for a little girl to make. There is so much she loves.
""Three things," says Mama.
"And put the rest in your heart."
Malia doesn't want to choose."
Of course, she doesn't. It's a brand-new experience for her. Leaving home is scary, for sure. As they drive away, and then arrive at Grandpa's house, it is evident that family is the main concern for all. Her cat, dog and little brother couldn't possibly fit in her backpack.
Ellen Rooney's textured artwork brings the emotional impact of the evacuation front and center, while also showing readers it is a situation that can be managed with patience and understanding. She manages to effectively convey exactly how Malia is feeling at every turn. This story will certainly provide fodder for conversations when read to an early years class of students who may or may not have experienced what Malia is facing.
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