Nour's Secret Library:
inspired by real secret library in Daraya where young Syrians save nearly 15,000 books from bombed out houses and created a library in basement.
.
Nour, her cousin Amir and other courageous kids saved some books in their secret library during war which became source of knowledge for doctors, bakers like her father and several others to fight against crisis and named it "𝗔𝗹-𝗙𝗮𝗷𝗿" the dawn in Arabic.
.
Another addition on our Syrian books collection and a must read for everyone.
.
If you are teacher or homeschooler and planning topic related to Syria, then please do add this book in your lesson plan because I'm sure it will complete your topic.
.
The author's note at the end is worth reading that sometimes books bring hope and courage to fight against crisis in your life.
Story Boat:
Have you ever heard of the refugee crisis? Forced to flee their homelands? crossing rough tides, uncertainty, missing, lost or dead family members?
Note: It also contains 2-page scenes of refugees playing musical instruments.
.
If you are a teacher, parent or someone working at refugee centers I'll highly recommend "The story boat" an award-winning book. This is story about young girl and her brother travelling along with others, staying in refugee camps, taking small rubber boat while thinking each moment as beautiful and part of their imaginary story.
This book can help traumatized children see their trauma from another angle by considering each event as a part of a beautiful imaginary boat. A very brief picture story book that has only a few words and more focus is on pictures that are illustrated using only a few colors. Simple and repetitive wording made this book suitable for ages 3+ in my opinion. It can help children practice their language skills.
.
As a teacher, I'll recommend you to include this book in your lessons for your students to create soft welcoming corners for refugees.
In this book you will see babies, disables, women, elderly sad, and crying while trying to flee.
Sugar in Milk:
Note: Illustrations of Music and mentioning of word magic.
.
There is a young girl who recently moved to a new country and found herself alone although her auntie and uncle tried their best to welcome her and make her happy. Then, her auntie tells her a story where back in times 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 and tried to took refuge in India. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐫 was not willing to give them refugee because of his kingdom being overcrowded and they speak different language.
.
They tried to communicate but it was hard. So, the king ordered a glass of milk full all the way to the very top. This way the king tried to explain that his kingdom was full like a glass of milk and he couldn't take anyone else in it.
.
Persians had wise leader who took very same glass full of milk and changed kings mind and made him laugh. He welcomed Persian refugees in his kingdom because 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.
.
The message of this book is very clear that refugees aren't new. It's since the time this world was created. Due to wars people leave their country or city to seek refuge in a safer place.
.
𝐇𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐛𝐢 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 book shows customs and traditions of Persians and Mughals in India back then. Beautiful breathtaking Mughal illustrations are the best part of this book. This book can be used to teach kids about 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒈𝒆𝒆𝒔, 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑴𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒅𝒐𝒎, 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆 etc. It doesn't explain any specific religion although you can see Zoroastrian religion picture on one page. Good read overall.
Mustafa:
Award winning book.
.
Note: Illustrations of Halloween and music.
.
Mustafa and his family are refugees, who just recently moved to a safer place and are shy and scared to talk with people. Book is written in general without mentioning any countries or continents. He observed a new culture and environment while comparing other things with his homeland e.g. insects, moon, flowers etc. He found one girl-with-a-cat who was interested in friendship but he was shy and scared where there is language barrier as well.
.
Mustafa sometimes wakes up at night because of nightmares where his mother gives him peace that he is at safer place now.
.
I really like the part where he drew war scenes on sand and girl made peaceful scenes. You can see hijab mom and his baby sister in this book as well. I loved the water color and crayons illustrations.
.
This book shows traumatized kids and their fears. It gives message to be welcoming with refugees by showing kindness and giving them opportunity to get mix.
.
Overall, it's good read for younger kids due to repetitive words and phrases to teach them about refugees and how to deal with them.
Note: All pictures are self-taken by Earth Custodians and can't be used without permission.