The Journey

The Journey

Picture book
"The war began. Every day bad things started happening and soon
there was nothing but chaos."
For the narrator of Francesca Sanna's The Journey, as for far
too many children in today's world, war steals happiness and
security. The first theft is her father. Next is the remaining
family members' peace of mind. Then there is home, friends, and a big
eyed dog.
There are endless days of travel. Treasured possessions must be
shed along the way. A border crossing almost turns tragic.
And still they have not reached safety.
The genesis for The Journey happened when Sanna spoke to two
refugee girls. For months she collected more immigrant stories. When
she began a masters program in illustration she decided to turn the
true stories into a children's book.
"...Almost every day on the news we hear the terms 'migrants'
and 'refugees' but we rarely ever speak to or hear the personal
journeys that they have had to take. This book is a collage of all
those personal stories and the incredible strength of the people
within them."
The Journey has earned the endorsement of Amnesty International
UK for its timely and timeless reminder that "we all have the right to
a safe place to live."
On a personal note, tomorrow is July 4th. Many of us won't be in much
of a mood to celebrate, especially with the stepped up persecution of
immigrants and refuge seekers. Celebrate hope that working together
we can bring this land once again the inclusive greatness symbolized
by the statue of liberty and work to make it happen.
Don't drink and drive. Watch out for ticks. Leave pyrotecnics to
professionals.
A great big shout out goes out to immigrants and refugees and those
who guide, shelter, and protect them.
jules hathaway


Sent from my iPod