Readers will be enchanted by this
remarkable wordless picture book,
and its powerful themes of sacrifice,
survival, and - above all else - family.
An author's note explains that this refugee story is inspired by Thao Lam's own history, and her family's flight to safety in Canada. It begins in a home in Vietnam as a family sits down to an evening meal. Bothered by the ants that also occupy a space at the table, the adults want them gone; a little girl does her best to save them from drowning in the watery sugar bowl.
When the soldiers and tanks come near, the family knows they must quickly flee. Mother and child are separated from the rest, and must find their way to the boat that will transport them to a better place. As they hide, the mother creates an origami paper boat to keep her daughter occupied and calm. In the moonlight, the two follow a line of ants that leads them where the escape boat is waiting.
From there, the story becomes a story of the ants aboard the paper boat, experiencing all of the trauma of the perilous journey being made by the refugees themselves. Not all survive. The refugees find asylum. The final scene brings the story full circle. The family has arrived to live in a new and vibrant community where many other refugee families live. Now safe and settled, they share a splendid family meal once again. It is no surprise that one ant has found its way to their table.
It is almost impossible to fully describe the exceptional cut-paper collage artwork that gives 'voice' to this beautifully told wordless tale. Telling endpapers capture attention and lead readers to carefully consider the ever-changing scenes and perspectives at every turn of the page. The tale switches from happy family scenes to harrowing, suspenseful events that speak of bravery and resilience. Careful use of color and mood moves from warm family gatherings to the cold darkness of the escape and agonizing journey, and back to the warmth of their new home.
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