October 15, 2017
Grades 3-5 Books in the Encounter: Narrative Nonfiction Stories series tell true stories with historical settings. Introducing two wartime refugee families, these new entries offer stories of hardships, fears, and separation, and each ends well. Kunkush begins in 2015 with a widow, her five children, and Kunkush, their cat, and other Iraqi families traveling by a rubber boat to a Greek island. There Kunkush runs off and cannot be found before the family must leave for a refugee camp. The story follows the cat's journey to Germany, his family's settling in Norway, and their happy reunion. Although an indication of sources would have bolstered the text's authenticity as nonfiction, the artwork is distinctive, and the appealing story provides an engaging introduction to the refugee experience. This handsome series both dramatizes and personalizes history through the experiences of individuals.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)
August 1, 2017
Gr 2-5-These two additions to the series center on refugee stories in an accessible picture book format. Hedy's Journey is based on the author's mother's account of fleeing to the United States as a teen during the Holocaust-and all of the tribulations in between. Bisson effectively communicates the high level of stress and danger, while also emphasizing the value of love and family. The illustrator's color palette of gray, sepia, and a subdued dusty pink (for Hedy's clothing) suits the historical time period. There are no swastika's depicted in the illustrations. Kunkush is the true story of a cat who was reunited with his family of Iraqi refugees after being separated from them when they reached the shore of the Greek island Lesbos. Ventura's narrative follows Kunkush and the amazing network of people who worked to bring him back to his owners. Guo's graphic design-like artwork is suffused with light and shadow, blues and oranges. Overall, the entries are a bit text heavy but should work well in a small group or one-on-one setting.
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2018
During a dangerous journey out of Iraq, a refugee family loses their beloved cat. Through the actions of several volunteers and a social media campaign, the family is finally reunited with Kunkush in Norway. A heartwarming true story of hope amidst heartbreak, with digital illustrations that skillfully manipulate light and color palettes to convey emotion. Reading list. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)