"Stunning and incredibly affecting and emotive. Jose Sanabria's artwork is superb."
* Library Mice *
"Superbly illustrated,Refugees offers a powerful and pertinent message for readers of all ages from KS1 upwards...the book ought to be shared, discussed and pondered upon by all."
* Red Reading Hub *
"A celebration of Brian Bilston's clever poem which shows us that there are two sides to everything. In this book, both readings are illustrated, bringing to life the evocative words through colour and imagery. The book is designed to help children, aged six plus, explore this emotive issue, and discuss the different ways in which the world can be seen."
* Books for Children *
"A beautifully illustrated and clever picture book...will challenge perceptions and is ideal as an impetus for discursive writing and also PSHE discussion in upper KS2."
* School Reading List - Picture Book of the Month *
"A delightful presentation of Brian Bilston's poem. A powerful message for our children and a delightful way to explore the complexity which the poem asks us to consider."
* Refugees at Home *
This clever and important poem is a powerful reminder of the need to challenge misconceptions and hostility. It shows the importance of seeing the full story and challenging negative narratives. Sadly refugees often face difficulties in their search for safety but clearly there is also much compassion to be found, and real support for people who have faced unimaginable hardship to find safety. This beautiful picture book is a good way of introducing children to this complex issue.
-- Dr Lisa Doyle, Director of Advocacy, Refugee Council
"Both the Brian Bilston poem 'Refugees' and his consequent children's book with artist Jose Sanabria offer empathy, simplicity and genius. If words and minds can be so brilliantly reversed, why not the systems and policies inflicting such cruelty in our world?"
-- Shami Chakrabarti
