Noah's New Home

This book thoughtfully explores displacement, trauma and the strength that can come from community. It will resonate with anyone dealing with grief and anxiety. Despite facing death at one stage, the book feels full of hope. Opening with noisy explosions, the displaced child Noah is terrified, remembering the skies exploding outside his old home. The illustrations show how terrified Noah is, and it takes much reassurance to make him understand that they have left their home of terror, where his father had been killed. They have arrived as refugees in a strange country where no one speaks his language, but finds his mother and himself supported by a caring community. So, a fireworks party which caused Noah to flee to the dark inside of a cupboard, becomes a revelation. With support from his family and friends Noah no longer fears the bangs, and stares with wonder at the starburst splashes up in the sky, reminding him of the jasmine flowers so beloved at his old home. They will remember his father with the piece of home they carry in their hearts. At the beginning every page shows the trauma Noah carried with him from his war-torn homeland, the latter illustrations show a shared joy within a new community. A book to share in every area of our modern life, one to build empathy.