La canica de Idrís

by René Gouichoux

It can be difficult to talk to little ones about migrants fleeing persecution, misery, and war. This is a beautiful book with simple but evocative text that provides words to explain often complicated facts.

Genres: Picture Books, War, Refugee, Immigration, Childrens, Africa

48 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Dan Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book, although intensely sad at a few moments it ends well and provides a strong tale for kids to understand why we need to welcome refugees. Led to a very good conversation with my kid.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refugee story showing the power of hope and optimism in the face of uncertain safety and survival. This would perfectly pair with LUBNA AND PEBBLE.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful story.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idriss and His Marble by Rene Goutchoux, illustrated by Zau. PICTURE BOOK. StarBerry Books, 2019. $18. 9781635921328

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Idriss has a lucky marble. It is beautiful and he feels that wherever he goes, if his marble is with him, he will continue to have good luck. Things in his country gets bad and Idriss and his mom has to flee. He keeps his lucky marble with him, no matter what, through scary trails, under barbed wire and on a small, seemingly unsafe boat - he keeps the marble with him.

I liked the book and the illustrations, and it showed the perilous trail refugees travel to find a safe place for themselves and their families. Maybe Idriss will find somebody at his new home that likes marbles like he does.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I don't like the illustrations, the story carries the beauty of the story all on its own.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy’s perilous journey to escape war, carrying his lucky marble and the hope of finding a new safe home.

[JK WSU · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars (It was OK). Published in 2019, this nonfiction picture book follows the story of Idriss, a boy who must flee with his mother when fighting breaks out near their village. Idriss, who becomes a refugee, takes only one thing with him - a marble - which carries memories of his carefree life before the fighting in his village, gives him hope along his journey to his new home, and helps build a friendship in a new land. I can see using this book in my classroom to introduce what some people go through when they flee an area of conflict, but the book doesn't have enough depth, nor does it tug at the heartstrings the way other children's books on immigration do. I liked the illustrations, and the story, while shallow, has a certain charm.

[Lannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important. Relevant. Age appropriate.

Lovely little read. Takes on the big subject matter of refugee resettlement in a way that is open, kind, and ultimately hopeful. It’s not flashy like today’s books; it doesn’t need to be. Highly recommend.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book for all ages, about refugees. I loved the pictures, the story, the love shown, and the underlying positive message of the book!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary and up picture book about a boy and his mother having to leave their village and make their way to another country.

[Mickey Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and touching story of a parent going to extreme lengths to make a better life for their child.