We are like Birds

Laila Ekboir’s warm and empathetic illustrations are the making of this picture book on starting again. Flor is only seven and is moving for the third time. We watch as she leaves her old home behind and begins to settle in a new home, new community, school and country. There is so much more said in the detailed illustrations than in the simple and lyrical text and this is arguably where discussion will be sparked with young readers who perhaps will notice Flor’s apprehension on arrival in the new country, or her tentative inquisitiveness as she begins to wonder whether she too can join the games at school.

For older readers there is perhaps more that could be drawn from the numerous analogies throughout the text between the family and the many animals their plight resembles: birds, snails, crabs. Perhaps this could inspire some reflective poetry, or encourage children to share the animal that they feel most reflects their own family’s journey. References are made also to puzzle pieces, seeds blown on the wind, and patchwork quilts which may help children to explore and share feelings about their family make-up, the movement of families around the world and the many reasons for such movement.

As we near the end of the book Flor begins to find her feet, establish friendships and feel more confident sharing her heritage; for those young readers who share this story and relate to Flor’s journey, we can only hope this title helps them to feel represented, welcome and hopeful that they too will soon feel at home.