What do you think?
The Red Suitcase
A beautiful and touching journey of one little dragon fleeing a home that has become dangerous and finding refuge in a new place and with new friends.
The Red Suitcase is a simple and allegorical story with evocative illustrations and minimal text depicting the plight of refugees. From the unrest they leave behind, the treacherous journey they undertake, the fear they are met with, and finally the acceptance and helping hand that is, and should always, be offered to them. The Red Suitcase tells this story in its simplest form in a way that young children can understand and enjoy as one of friendship and acceptance.
The Red Suitcase is a simple and allegorical story with evocative illustrations and minimal text depicting the plight of refugees. From the unrest they leave behind, the treacherous journey they undertake, the fear they are met with, and finally the acceptance and helping hand that is, and should always, be offered to them. The Red Suitcase tells this story in its simplest form in a way that young children can understand and enjoy as one of friendship and acceptance.
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
42 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 5, 2019
I can only rate what I can see. Unfortunately, my digital ARC is a mess and missing half of the illustrations. What I did see of them, I liked; I just wish I'd been able to see all of them (especially since this book is light on text and uses the pictures to tell much of the story).
While I appreciate the intent behind this book, I'm not sure if little kids will understand that it's supposed to be about refugees. Again, like so many picture books I've read lately, this one seems to be aimed more at adults than children. We're introduced to a small dragon who's surrounded by scribbly flames (representing danger in their homeland, I guess) and a simply drawn red suitcase. The story is told with the second-person point of view, which is unusual for a picture book, and even more so in this case. (Is this intended for refugee children? Or is it supposed to be for their peers to help them understand the situation?) It looks like the dragon goes on a journey, although I can't really say for sure; those illustrations were some of the ones that were missing. Eventually, they end up in a new land at a new school, where they make a friend.
(On an unrelated note, why is the author's name spelled differently in the book than in all of the material online? Which is it? Gilles or Giles?)
It's hard to say if I would've liked this one any more if I'd been able to see all the pictures, but I don't know that I would've rated it much higher, since I'm not sure if the story's message is clear enough. It might work as more of an allegory, but if children are supposed to understand that the dragon and their journey represent the plight of refugees in our world, it might be asking a little too much.
Thank you to NetGalley and words & pictures for providing a digital ARC.
While I appreciate the intent behind this book, I'm not sure if little kids will understand that it's supposed to be about refugees. Again, like so many picture books I've read lately, this one seems to be aimed more at adults than children. We're introduced to a small dragon who's surrounded by scribbly flames (representing danger in their homeland, I guess) and a simply drawn red suitcase. The story is told with the second-person point of view, which is unusual for a picture book, and even more so in this case. (Is this intended for refugee children? Or is it supposed to be for their peers to help them understand the situation?) It looks like the dragon goes on a journey, although I can't really say for sure; those illustrations were some of the ones that were missing. Eventually, they end up in a new land at a new school, where they make a friend.
(On an unrelated note, why is the author's name spelled differently in the book than in all of the material online? Which is it? Gilles or Giles?)
It's hard to say if I would've liked this one any more if I'd been able to see all the pictures, but I don't know that I would've rated it much higher, since I'm not sure if the story's message is clear enough. It might work as more of an allegory, but if children are supposed to understand that the dragon and their journey represent the plight of refugees in our world, it might be asking a little too much.
Thank you to NetGalley and words & pictures for providing a digital ARC.
September 8, 2019
This is a lovely children's book, whose story follows a little baby dragon who learns to be comfortable outside his comfort zone, go on adventures and eventually find friends.
It is very easy and fun to read even for adults, and I think that parents and people who work with kids, will find very easy to use it as motivation and encouragement for their little ones.
It is very easy and fun to read even for adults, and I think that parents and people who work with kids, will find very easy to use it as motivation and encouragement for their little ones.
September 16, 2019
I'm not sure what I just read; it had a nice ending though. The pages that just had parts of this suitcase floating were weird and didn't seem to go with the rest of the story. The dragon, however, was adorable and was just trying to find his place in the world. I think it would have been fantastic, with a few changes, as a wordless picture book. Either way it was heartwarming.
#theredsuitcase #Netgalley
#theredsuitcase #Netgalley
September 2, 2019
This is supposed to be a story about refugees and the struggles they have in leaving their country and coming to a new one etc, with very minimal text. If I am completely honest, I had no idea that was the message. Even still, I find it hard to find, I don’t think a young child would be able to distinguish it either. It is a good message, but I found it a bit too abstract. But maybe its just me!
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC.
September 2, 2019
The main problem I have with this good effort to explain how it is like to be a refugee, is that, if you hadn't read the dust jacket that explained how this, then you have no idea why the dragon is going anywhere, just less with an empty suitcase.
Good intentions of trying to explain how it is to be kicked out of your country, to pick up, as though nothing has happened, when in fact it has.
It didn't work for me, though.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Good intentions of trying to explain how it is to be kicked out of your country, to pick up, as though nothing has happened, when in fact it has.
It didn't work for me, though.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 10, 2019
I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group through NetGalley.
This is a difficult book to review as it was either missing artwork and text on several pages or the simplicity of the red suitcase tumbling and traveling will sail above young readers' heads.
Baum begins the story with dramatic red crayon scribbles on several pages. If you read the blurb, you know this represents a dangerous situation and the little dragon has to flee. He grabs a suitcase but has no time to pack anything. Love this symbolism of bringing your baggage but no tangible items. The dragon travels far and encounters difficult situations - hunger, lonely, tired, overwhelmed. Eventually, he finds a place of safety with others who support him. Love the implication that the other dragon has its own baggage.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The message got lost with the missing(?) artwork and text. I will look at the finished product and update my review if needed.
This is a difficult book to review as it was either missing artwork and text on several pages or the simplicity of the red suitcase tumbling and traveling will sail above young readers' heads.
Baum begins the story with dramatic red crayon scribbles on several pages. If you read the blurb, you know this represents a dangerous situation and the little dragon has to flee. He grabs a suitcase but has no time to pack anything. Love this symbolism of bringing your baggage but no tangible items. The dragon travels far and encounters difficult situations - hunger, lonely, tired, overwhelmed. Eventually, he finds a place of safety with others who support him. Love the implication that the other dragon has its own baggage.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The message got lost with the missing(?) artwork and text. I will look at the finished product and update my review if needed.
September 28, 2019
101 uses for a Red Suitcase is the alternate title. Ok, I’m teasing. I loved the illustrations, but completely missed the story. So, I read the blurb and it’s about refugees. Ok, maybe I have enough imagination to get that, maybe.
I do get that our cute little dragon is a courageous fellow
I do get that our cute little dragon is a courageous fellow
September 23, 2019
From the book jacket:
"Sometimes you have to be brave.
Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to go somewhere safe.
This is the story of one small dragon's journey to find a new home."
The Red Suitcase, originally published in French, is an allegorical story depicting the struggle of refugees. I must admit from first reading the book I had no idea that was the premise of the story. Once you discover that important element, the story makes perfect sense and you know the intention of the author and the bittersweet message that he is portraying.
The minimal text is simply stated and the main character, a little dragon, drives the point of the story home. Upset and in danger from the condition of his homeland he sets out to escape from the perils and chaos that is swirling around him. He carries just one empty suitcase and determines to seek asylum some place safe... but where?
He sets out on a dangerous journey all alone. He meets many challenges such as: rain storms, blasting heatwaves, rugged terrain to cross, crowded cities to maneuver through, and incessant hunger, just to name a few. Each time his trusty suitcase morphs into an important tool to help carry him on to his safe destination... but where is that destination he wonders? He is searching for some place that is safe, full of joy, and a place to belong. Does such a place actually exist? He wants so much to settle down, make friends and live out his life in peace?
"The Red Suitcase" relates the story in way that young kids can understand. The book will evoke many conversations and discussions I'm sure. The illustrations certainly are beneficial and augment and enrich the text greatly. I love the little dragon character. He is adorable and has great personality and fortitude. I didn't like the fact that some pages were just sketch-like and the suitcase is suspended on the pages with almost no explanation as to what is going on with it. I found it confusing and those pages didn't really move the story along in my opinion. It is however a thought-provoking book that begs answering the question.... what if that is me some day? Storywraps recommends this book.
"Sometimes you have to be brave.
Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to go somewhere safe.
This is the story of one small dragon's journey to find a new home."
The Red Suitcase, originally published in French, is an allegorical story depicting the struggle of refugees. I must admit from first reading the book I had no idea that was the premise of the story. Once you discover that important element, the story makes perfect sense and you know the intention of the author and the bittersweet message that he is portraying.
The minimal text is simply stated and the main character, a little dragon, drives the point of the story home. Upset and in danger from the condition of his homeland he sets out to escape from the perils and chaos that is swirling around him. He carries just one empty suitcase and determines to seek asylum some place safe... but where?
He sets out on a dangerous journey all alone. He meets many challenges such as: rain storms, blasting heatwaves, rugged terrain to cross, crowded cities to maneuver through, and incessant hunger, just to name a few. Each time his trusty suitcase morphs into an important tool to help carry him on to his safe destination... but where is that destination he wonders? He is searching for some place that is safe, full of joy, and a place to belong. Does such a place actually exist? He wants so much to settle down, make friends and live out his life in peace?
"The Red Suitcase" relates the story in way that young kids can understand. The book will evoke many conversations and discussions I'm sure. The illustrations certainly are beneficial and augment and enrich the text greatly. I love the little dragon character. He is adorable and has great personality and fortitude. I didn't like the fact that some pages were just sketch-like and the suitcase is suspended on the pages with almost no explanation as to what is going on with it. I found it confusing and those pages didn't really move the story along in my opinion. It is however a thought-provoking book that begs answering the question.... what if that is me some day? Storywraps recommends this book.
November 3, 2019
A great example of resilience, curiosity and strength for children, to encourage them to explore. This book is a 'recipe for living' that young children will understand and find inspiring and reassuring.
The red suitcase could be anything that makes a child feel safe or prepared. Its a metaphor for a mindset of willingness and openness that's bred from a sense of being prepared.
The illustrations of each new situation or way of exploring are earnest but more importantly honest. When the narrator asks you to "Walk fast. Faster and higher than the clouds." we see the main character running and jumping with arms spread ready to fly but when we turn the page we see the character beginning to fall back down to earth with a bump and it beginning to rain. The text then takes up the story with "Keep moving forward."
The text is easy to understand and can carry the story by itself but the illustrations help to make this book a 5 star book as they work together with the text to weave between whimsical and practical interpretations of ways to apply the advice within the story.
This book could end on page 28 (less than 150 words) but from page 29 onwards the story becomes a 'first day of school' book and you realise, all along, the journey had been from home (safe but isolated) to a first time school (a shared space, with many others), new or beginning you decide. Its here the main character finds something that can not fit inside the red suitcase; "a place to belong"
The red suitcase could be anything that makes a child feel safe or prepared. Its a metaphor for a mindset of willingness and openness that's bred from a sense of being prepared.
The illustrations of each new situation or way of exploring are earnest but more importantly honest. When the narrator asks you to "Walk fast. Faster and higher than the clouds." we see the main character running and jumping with arms spread ready to fly but when we turn the page we see the character beginning to fall back down to earth with a bump and it beginning to rain. The text then takes up the story with "Keep moving forward."
The text is easy to understand and can carry the story by itself but the illustrations help to make this book a 5 star book as they work together with the text to weave between whimsical and practical interpretations of ways to apply the advice within the story.
This book could end on page 28 (less than 150 words) but from page 29 onwards the story becomes a 'first day of school' book and you realise, all along, the journey had been from home (safe but isolated) to a first time school (a shared space, with many others), new or beginning you decide. Its here the main character finds something that can not fit inside the red suitcase; "a place to belong"
September 4, 2019
It's hard to review a book where half the pages haven't been properly formatted – several of them were missing the full artwork, or the text, or both. Which was odd, for this is a translation from the French, so surely the art exists in ready-to-present form. What I saw as a preview, then, was quite attractive as far as it went – a cute green dragon and occasionally some bird companions travels with his red suitcase, but it's only towards the end we see the reason for him leaving under a cloud. I'm not sure I liked the translation, for it renders the text in a very imperative mode, where the voice-over orders our dragon to do this, and do that. I was quite ready for the critter to be told to floss, stretch, dance, and wear sunscreen. Other reviews have picked up on the real theme of the book being one too obscure for the young, and I kind of agree – it might have passed me by, leaving this a visually attractive but slightly empty volume. One to give a go from the library, but not a must-buy. But trust me on the sunscreen.
September 17, 2019
From the book jacket:
"Sometimes you have to be brave
Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to go somewhere safe.
This is the story of one small dragon's journey to find a new home."
I include the above because, once know, it makes sense that this story of a journey is about a refugee. I did not fully realize that when reading the book. As a story about a refugee, it is straight forwardly told and for the youngest children. Through beautiful, simple illustrations young readers/listeners watch asa young dragon with a suitcase goes on a journey and finds a new group and a sense of safety.
The book could also, in my opinion, be a metaphor for journeys that each of us takes. We all have our imaginary suitcases full of what we learned and need and, with them, move on to take greater risks.
Either way, both? Let me know what you think if you read this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Sometimes you have to be brave
Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to go somewhere safe.
This is the story of one small dragon's journey to find a new home."
I include the above because, once know, it makes sense that this story of a journey is about a refugee. I did not fully realize that when reading the book. As a story about a refugee, it is straight forwardly told and for the youngest children. Through beautiful, simple illustrations young readers/listeners watch asa young dragon with a suitcase goes on a journey and finds a new group and a sense of safety.
The book could also, in my opinion, be a metaphor for journeys that each of us takes. We all have our imaginary suitcases full of what we learned and need and, with them, move on to take greater risks.
Either way, both? Let me know what you think if you read this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2019
The story of a little dragon who runs away from a dangerous homeland. The cover pages show the danger the little dragon faces and illustrates the immediacy with which a refugee might leave their home.
The story is simple but effective. The suitcase is key, with the dragon taking it with him wherever he goes. Including to his new school where he is not initially welcomed and accepted by the other dragons.
The story is simple. Almost a set of instructions on how to find a place of safety and the emotions of the dragon are portrayed with simple, clear facial expressions.
I loved the illustrations (though I think the dragon was missing on a couple of pages) and can definitely see myself encouraging children to design their own dragons with watercolour, crayon or felt tip.
I would possibly also use this book with an older class to talk about the things they may collect if one day they had to leave their homes.
As a teacher, it would be vital to know the backgrounds of the children as a discussion about leaving your home for a place of safety might be upsetting for a child who is a refugee.
The story is simple but effective. The suitcase is key, with the dragon taking it with him wherever he goes. Including to his new school where he is not initially welcomed and accepted by the other dragons.
The story is simple. Almost a set of instructions on how to find a place of safety and the emotions of the dragon are portrayed with simple, clear facial expressions.
I loved the illustrations (though I think the dragon was missing on a couple of pages) and can definitely see myself encouraging children to design their own dragons with watercolour, crayon or felt tip.
I would possibly also use this book with an older class to talk about the things they may collect if one day they had to leave their homes.
As a teacher, it would be vital to know the backgrounds of the children as a discussion about leaving your home for a place of safety might be upsetting for a child who is a refugee.
September 26, 2019
'The Red Suitcase' by Giles Baum with illustrations by Amandine Piu is a picture book about packing up and starting over.
This book follows a young alligator as he packs up from his former home, which is stormy, and moves somewhere else. The journey may be long, and things may be strange in the new place. Courage is needed, but there are also rewards.
I've read that this is about the journey of refugees, but there isn't much to go on besides dark weather in the old place. The illustrations work, and it's a short read. I just think the message that the authors think they are conveying will be lost.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
This book follows a young alligator as he packs up from his former home, which is stormy, and moves somewhere else. The journey may be long, and things may be strange in the new place. Courage is needed, but there are also rewards.
I've read that this is about the journey of refugees, but there isn't much to go on besides dark weather in the old place. The illustrations work, and it's a short read. I just think the message that the authors think they are conveying will be lost.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
September 15, 2019
Interesting concept - a picture book about a dragon leaving home to help children understand the concept of seeking asylum.
Sadly, the execution was lacking. The style of the images is nice - simplistic but accessible. Few words which is also good. However, complexity of words does not match with apparent intended audience and some issues with formatting - are the blank pages with only pictures of the suitcase intentional? If so, difficult to follow for an adult, never mind a child.
A nice idea but words too complex and images too limited to clearly portray it.
I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sadly, the execution was lacking. The style of the images is nice - simplistic but accessible. Few words which is also good. However, complexity of words does not match with apparent intended audience and some issues with formatting - are the blank pages with only pictures of the suitcase intentional? If so, difficult to follow for an adult, never mind a child.
A nice idea but words too complex and images too limited to clearly portray it.
I received a copy of this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2019
A little dragon leaves his home with his little red suitcase. He embarks on a perilous journey to a new home. Here he must learn to be accepted and for others to understand him.
The author has written this to describe the plight of refugees to younger children. There is minimal writing at times which means you can interact yourself and ask and answer questions.
A good attempt to tackle a very sensitive subject.
The author has written this to describe the plight of refugees to younger children. There is minimal writing at times which means you can interact yourself and ask and answer questions.
A good attempt to tackle a very sensitive subject.
September 16, 2019
I opened this book and immediately connected with it. Without having any context for the book, I feel in love because the red scribbles describe how we all feel sometimes. Then the idea of taking a suitcase and just going is wonderful. I couldn't wait to finish this book and start it all over again. As an adult, this is a book I will revisit many times and I think children will appreciate their feelings being recognized.
October 12, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures for The Red Suitcase by Gilles Baum. This is a cute children’s book with illustrations drawn with what looks like a red crayon. The story features a small dragon who with a bit of imagination and a small red suitcase goes on an adventure and then uses the story of that adventure to find a new friend. It has cute and simple graphics and a quick and simple story.
September 20, 2019
A simple, yet beautifully illustrated picture book which subtly highlights the plight of refugees.
Whilst the importance of this subject felt somewhat dense and minor, Giles Baum's heavily relied on the power of her illustrations to convey the importance of hope, freedom and acceptance.
With very few words, this is definitely a book that will encourage conversation and discussion.
Whilst the importance of this subject felt somewhat dense and minor, Giles Baum's heavily relied on the power of her illustrations to convey the importance of hope, freedom and acceptance.
With very few words, this is definitely a book that will encourage conversation and discussion.
June 15, 2020
Huh. I’ll have to reread this because I had no idea the story was supposed to represent a refugee fleeing for safety. I’d have said it was a young person, setting out to travel the world and see things. It felt like the kind of book you’d give a grad about to take off for a new city or country.
Oops!
Oops!
June 27, 2020
The Red Suitcase is not my favorite children's read. The book's message is lost within the illustration and little dialogue that is present in the book. I do think you can draw some parallels between the refugee's journey and the alligator's long journey but I don't think the message will stick for young kids. It is an interesting experiment though.
September 4, 2019
This book is terribly plotted out and doesn't make sense. The illustrations are also sub-par. Very disappointing.
October 19, 2019
The arc of this book was missing some crucial pages. But the text and the wonderful illustrations that were available were really adorable, and told an amazing story.
October 28, 2019
The illustrations were lovely, but I think I may have missed the point of the story. It was also a bit too long for any toddler to follow.
November 18, 2019
Imaginative, yet endearingly sweet. The story of one dragon, his suitcase and going out into the world. Both my fresh 2 year old and 4.5 year old loved this one. The illustrations are adorable.
March 1, 2022
A book about a create who takes with them an empty red suitcase and ends up going to a school. He ends up making a friend.
September 3, 2019
| Reader Fox Blog |
The Red Suitcase by Giles Baum and illustrated by Amandine Piu is a short children's book meant to tackle depicting the various struggles and hardships that accompany the life of a refugee child. Using an adorable green dragon, the story follows him as he flees his now dangerous home and is thrown into the unknown of an entirely new, though safer, home.
The biggest thing to note with the story that this book shows is that the full story of what is going on with this little dragon is actually pretty difficult to pick up on without the context of the book's summary. As someone who does not know or understand what it is like to be a refugee, my hope, in the end, is that the subtle to me themes of the story would be clear to any young child with these experiences. In that sense, a book like this could be helpful in allowing those children to cope with the feelings that come alongside with living through such a traumatic event.
The artwork in this story could not be more perfect, in my opinion. It is both simple and complex where it needs to be, featuring just the right amount of cute and color. In general, I don't think I have enough knowledge to fully determine the degree to which this is a great children's book, though I will say it's probably not something for children who are not refugees unless their parents intend to have an in-depth conversation with them about the subject.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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The Red Suitcase by Giles Baum and illustrated by Amandine Piu is a short children's book meant to tackle depicting the various struggles and hardships that accompany the life of a refugee child. Using an adorable green dragon, the story follows him as he flees his now dangerous home and is thrown into the unknown of an entirely new, though safer, home.
The biggest thing to note with the story that this book shows is that the full story of what is going on with this little dragon is actually pretty difficult to pick up on without the context of the book's summary. As someone who does not know or understand what it is like to be a refugee, my hope, in the end, is that the subtle to me themes of the story would be clear to any young child with these experiences. In that sense, a book like this could be helpful in allowing those children to cope with the feelings that come alongside with living through such a traumatic event.
The artwork in this story could not be more perfect, in my opinion. It is both simple and complex where it needs to be, featuring just the right amount of cute and color. In general, I don't think I have enough knowledge to fully determine the degree to which this is a great children's book, though I will say it's probably not something for children who are not refugees unless their parents intend to have an in-depth conversation with them about the subject.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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