The Brighter I Shine

The story begins with a mother relating family stories to her young child on their birthday. As she tells the stories, Mama decorates the house with flowers and herbs and makes traditional recipes in preparation for guests arriving for a birthday feast, just like her grandmother had done many years before. Through these traditions and stories, the child learns of their own culture and history including the times their ancestors had to flee their homeland for sanctuary.

This is a book which tells the story of Armenian refugees displaced and seeking a new life overseas. It highlights the importance of sharing stories, traditions and language across generations so that these important threads to history and culture are not lost.

The title refers to the idea that stories can help you navigate life: ‘Stories are like stars that I hold inside – so when I am in the dark and I feel lost I can light my own way.’

It is an attractive book; the soft and colourful illustrations are full of warmth echoing the tone of the story. The back of the book includes a message from the author which describes her own family’s experience as refugees and her hope that this story will inspire others to tell stories of their own family history. There are questions included to prompt discussion.