Refuge
What’s inside...
This beautiful hardback retelling of the nativity by Waterstones Prize shortlisted author, Anne Booth, and illustrator, Sam Usher, is a perfect Christmas gift with a relevant message. GBP5 from each sale will go directly to War Child UK, which provides support, counseling, and education for Syrian refugee children in Jordan and Northern Iraq. Set in a beautiful hardback format with text by Anne Booth and illustrations by Sam Usher, this retelling of the nativity has timeless crossover appeal. War Child UK is caring for Syrian refugee children in camps and host communities, providing safe spaces, counseling, and education.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Donkey
Baby Jesus
Joseph
Mary
Discussion points
How do you think the family felt when they had to leave their home?
What are some ways we can help people who are in need, as the characters in the book did?
Why is it important to show kindness to others, even if they are different from us?
How did the donkey help the family in the story? What does that teach us about the roles of animals in our lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a calm and comfortable reading environment to make the discussion more open and heartfelt.
Link the themes of the book to real-world examples to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, and share your perspectives and reflections too to enrich the conversation.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child's understanding and take cues from their responses to guide the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Refuge,' the journey of a family seeking safety teaches children about the challenges faced by refugees. The story presents these themes through the compassionate lens of a donkey carrying a pregnant woman, emphasizing the feelings and hardships of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and struggles of their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Hope and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the adversities the family faces in 'Refuge,' they continue their journey with hope. This narrative highlights the importance of perseverance in overcoming difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the significance of maintaining hope and effort in challenging times, be it in academics, sports, or personal goals, teaching them resilience.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Helping Others
Explanation: The story showcases various characters who help the family along their journey, reflecting the impact of kindness and support to those in need.
Real-World Application: Children learn to extend help to others without expectation, be it through sharing, assisting in tasks, or standing up for someone who needs support, thereby enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: ‘Refuge’ exposes readers to different cultures and situations, portraying the family in a light that respects their experience and culture.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and accepting of people from various cultures and backgrounds, promoting harmony and mutual respect in diverse settings like school.
Example Lesson: The Value of Family and Community
Explanation: The central theme of family seeking refuge together underlines the strength and support that family and community offer during turmoil.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and rely on the support system their family and community provide, understanding the importance of these bonds in both good and bad times.