loud BANG!
His mother lifts him up
with her strong arms
and carries him swiftly
into the house.
Idriss hides in a corner ..."
This timely and meaningful refugee story introduces Idriss to readers as young as he is. His home appears to be an African country, but it is not named. He has one marble and he loves to spend his days in imaginary play, using that marble to accompany him on many adventures. Idriss is happy.
Warfare disrupts his peaceful village; he is kept inside until it is calm once more. Soon, the sound of cannons and gunfire creeps closer. He can no longer be outside as it is far too dangerous. Finally, all villagers abandon their homes. Idriss and his mother must do the same. Idriss does not understand, looking poignantly back at the home they are leaving. He takes nothing with him but his marble.
"They ride on buses, jumping off
at the slightest sign of danger.
They continue on foot ...
... until the danger passes
and another ride comes along."
Their walk is long, hot, and exhausting. It continues until they reach a barbed wire fence. After a night of needed sleep, his mother 'weaves' their bodies beneath it, walks across a beach and pays money to the men in charge. Along with far too many others, they board an old boat. Idriss holds his mother's hand at all times, while also keeping his marble safe in the other one. Idriss is sure his marble has brought them luck.
That may be so!
The ink and watercolor artwork is powerful, and filled with changing settings as the two face an unwanted but necessary journey to a better life.
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