pagesofpins's review against another edition
3.0
I like how the book poses questions of inequality around the globe, and how privilege is the result of chance more than anything for children around the world. However, the illustrations seem small and distant (though well drawn), which may make it harder for kids to engage.
jennywithaz's review against another edition
4.0
An introspective picture book from Norway that would work best with older children in a setting where they could discuss and reflect on the questions posed within the pages.
bibliotekarina's review against another edition
5.0
Introspective and empathetic. Should be put on a refugee-themed book display.
kaitsuchan's review against another edition
4.0
Deep read for a picture book. It also demonstrates how we can empathize with others.
wordnerd153's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely a better fit for introspective kids. Good book for talking with children about perspective and philosophy.
skrajewski's review against another edition
3.0
Creative, and beautiful illustrations, but a bit much for young readers.
tashrow's review
4.0
A child wonders aloud why they are here in this specific place and in this life. They could instead be in a crowded place with lots of other people. They could be in a place torn by war. They could be a refugee, searching for safety. The land could be desert or snow and ice or rivers with trees. Does anyone else wonder about why they are where they are? Will this child ever leave this place and adventure to the spots they have dreamed of? Are they right where they are supposed to be, after all?
This is a very thoughtful and thought-provoking book that demonstrates empathy throughout. It’s a book that explores the “why” of our circumstances, looking at other places and how different a life could be just by being moved somewhere else with a different situation and a different family. The book takes the time to stay in that ambiguity and wonder about it, before releasing readers in the final pages into an understanding that we simply are where we are.
The illustrations by Duzakin have a quiet thoughtfulness about them. The main character who speaks in first person can be interpreted to be either gender adding another layer to the ambiguity of the book. The illustrations capture dreamlike settings of war, desert, ice or greenery that allow readers to wonder along with the story.
A quiet and contemplative picture book that will create opportunities for conversation. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
This is a very thoughtful and thought-provoking book that demonstrates empathy throughout. It’s a book that explores the “why” of our circumstances, looking at other places and how different a life could be just by being moved somewhere else with a different situation and a different family. The book takes the time to stay in that ambiguity and wonder about it, before releasing readers in the final pages into an understanding that we simply are where we are.
The illustrations by Duzakin have a quiet thoughtfulness about them. The main character who speaks in first person can be interpreted to be either gender adding another layer to the ambiguity of the book. The illustrations capture dreamlike settings of war, desert, ice or greenery that allow readers to wonder along with the story.
A quiet and contemplative picture book that will create opportunities for conversation. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
jennywithaz's review
4.0
An introspective picture book from Norway that would work best with older children in a setting where they could discuss and reflect on the questions posed within the pages.
More...