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Refuge
Set in a beautiful hardback format with text by Waterstones Prize shortlisted author, Anne Booth, and illustrated by Waterstones Prize shortlisted illustrator, Sam Usher, this retelling of the nativity is a perfect Christmas gift. A book with timeless crossover appeal and a message that couldn't be more relevant.GBP5 from the sale of each book will go directly to War Child.War Child UK is caring for Syrian refugee children in camps and host communities in Jordan and Northern Iraq. They provide safe spaces for children to play and talk about their experiences, counselling for children and also their parents, to help them get past the trauma they have experienced, whilst also providing education for children in the camps.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2015
1 person is currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Anne Booth
46 books41 followersAnne Booth always wanted to be a children’s writer, but has also cleared tables in a restaurant, sold books, been a tour guide at a haunted medieval hospital, taught English in Italy, and organized arts and crafts in a nursing home, among other things. Anne Booth lives in Kent, England, with her husband, four children, two hens, and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 28, 2017
This book is supposed to be about the birth of Baby Jesus, but my students totally didn't get it. They couldn't figure out whose point of view it was from or why it ended so abruptly.
December 27, 2016
This beautifully illustrated book is the very simple story of the nativity, as told by the donkey. It sounds hokey, but is actually very sweet. Ann Cannon, author and bookseller (and friend!), has been widely recommending this book this year, and I can see why! Utterly lovely, and a very timely message as well.
November 15, 2015
It's hard to read 'Refuge' right now and yet, I think, this is perhaps one of the most vital books I've read this year. As I've watched the news over the past few days, weeks, I've become increasingly aware that there are moments in the world which cannot be expressed, somehow. There are times when the wordless horrors become formed, take flesh, when all it should be is nothing. Nothing.
And yet, there are somethings. All around us. Awfully so. Unfathomably so.
I think that literature does help us, sometimes, in starting to figure out where we are in the world. What we place ourselves against. What we lay the shape of our lives upon and see the gaps and the points where we connect with others. I think it's vital for children who may not have the skills or abilities yet to verbalise how they feel. I think it's equally vital for adults who don't know how to even begin to rationalise some of the events in the world. Say something. Talk. But how to talk when you don't even know where to begin?
I've spoken before about the great, fine grace of Anne Booth's writing, her sympathetic and genuine tones. 'Refuge' is her retelling of the nativity story, but done with such a wide resonance that I ache at some of the layers in her text. It's a slim, potent book full of nuance. Picture books are the strangest form of alchemy when they work well and this is such gold.
Illustrated throughout by Sam Usher's warm and subtle work, 'Refuge' has some moments of utter perfection. Nosy Crow have a preview of the book here which shows some of his work. His endpapers are a delight to me; that blush-rich use of colour and light. That note of gold, that rich, evocative tone, is continued throughout the book and provides a note of visual continuity. It also contributes to some of the more stunning moments - the 'entry into Egypt' spread is just breathtaking.
I received a copy of this from Nosy Crow directly. It's a book that many of those involved in have given their time for free. £5 from each copy goes straight towards War Child to help care for displace children. I have donated the cover price to War Child.
There's a section in 'Refuge' I want to end with:
That's it, I think, right there in those lines. That echo, that note, that's it.
And yet, there are somethings. All around us. Awfully so. Unfathomably so.
I think that literature does help us, sometimes, in starting to figure out where we are in the world. What we place ourselves against. What we lay the shape of our lives upon and see the gaps and the points where we connect with others. I think it's vital for children who may not have the skills or abilities yet to verbalise how they feel. I think it's equally vital for adults who don't know how to even begin to rationalise some of the events in the world. Say something. Talk. But how to talk when you don't even know where to begin?
I've spoken before about the great, fine grace of Anne Booth's writing, her sympathetic and genuine tones. 'Refuge' is her retelling of the nativity story, but done with such a wide resonance that I ache at some of the layers in her text. It's a slim, potent book full of nuance. Picture books are the strangest form of alchemy when they work well and this is such gold.
Illustrated throughout by Sam Usher's warm and subtle work, 'Refuge' has some moments of utter perfection. Nosy Crow have a preview of the book here which shows some of his work. His endpapers are a delight to me; that blush-rich use of colour and light. That note of gold, that rich, evocative tone, is continued throughout the book and provides a note of visual continuity. It also contributes to some of the more stunning moments - the 'entry into Egypt' spread is just breathtaking.
I received a copy of this from Nosy Crow directly. It's a book that many of those involved in have given their time for free. £5 from each copy goes straight towards War Child to help care for displace children. I have donated the cover price to War Child.
There's a section in 'Refuge' I want to end with:
And we passed the shepherds in the fields,
and there were whispered blessings,
and the movement of sheep in the darkness,
and the clasp of rough hands,
and the love of warm hearts
That's it, I think, right there in those lines. That echo, that note, that's it.
December 23, 2018
Refuge is the story of Jesus' birth, and travels to Egypt as told by the donkey. Don't concentrate on that part too much, but on the simple but effective illustration and story. Written to highlight his travels as a refugee - this book raised money for the UN Refugee Agency when published.
December 7, 2018
I love this book. I read a lot of Christmas books and I have read my fair share of manger scene books. This one is refreshing and original. Told from the perspective of the donkey but not in a trite or condescending way, this is the story of a family's journey, a miracle, their visitors, and an escape. Breathtaking.
Featured on the No Extra Words podcast Special #22.
Featured on the No Extra Words podcast Special #22.
December 31, 2016
I felt compelled to read Anne Booth's picture book after attending Christmas Eve mass. I had gone to a new church. It was so welcoming and inclusive. The pastor managed to talk about current topics like LGBTQ issues, Black Lives Matter, Aleppo, Medicare, living wages, sanctuary places, and immigration while bringing it full circle to the birth of Christ and what Christmas is all about. He even quoted Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony speech and went on to say, "Love coupled with Action can bring about Change." I was moved because I hadn't really felt myself as part of the story- everything was all historical and lessons were all from past experiences.
Refuge likened the Christmas story to that of modern day refuge experiences. Joseph, Mary and Jesus had to flee their country and sought safety and sanctuary elsewhere- relying on the kindness of strangers to get by and survive. I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I hope we can all create safe spaces to those in need.
Refuge likened the Christmas story to that of modern day refuge experiences. Joseph, Mary and Jesus had to flee their country and sought safety and sanctuary elsewhere- relying on the kindness of strangers to get by and survive. I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I hope we can all create safe spaces to those in need.
March 6, 2017
A very simple retelling of the Nativity story.
The story is told from the point of view of the donkey and goes till the flight to Egypt. Not many nativity stories focus on the journey to Egypt, so the book gets points for that. And it's a very timely reminder that Jesus was a refugee too. However, I would have preferred it to be a little more biblically accurate (magi came to a house, not the stable). It wouldn't have been hard to do. The illustrations are ok, but I think that perhaps they're too muted to grab the attention of the target audience since it is done all in grays with very rare yellows or blues. There are better nativity picture books out there unless you want to focus on the flight to Egypt.
The story is told from the point of view of the donkey and goes till the flight to Egypt. Not many nativity stories focus on the journey to Egypt, so the book gets points for that. And it's a very timely reminder that Jesus was a refugee too. However, I would have preferred it to be a little more biblically accurate (magi came to a house, not the stable). It wouldn't have been hard to do. The illustrations are ok, but I think that perhaps they're too muted to grab the attention of the target audience since it is done all in grays with very rare yellows or blues. There are better nativity picture books out there unless you want to focus on the flight to Egypt.
December 11, 2023
Told from the point of view of the donkey, this story follows the Holy Family from Nazareth to Jerusalem and into Egypt. The illustrations - pen and ink, with perhaps a bit of watercolor wash? - are simple and luminous, and the text reveals a family that is loving and caring, and an incarnate Christ child, with eyelashes and first smiles. It's a glowing tale of a family seeking refuge from the dangers of their own land, and some of the proceeds from the story go to the UN's committee on human refugees. A telling and timely reminder during this time of political turmoil that even the Christ child was a refugee.
January 8, 2018
I appreciate the effort to make a picture book of the flight to egypt, but it doesn't quite come together. It's very tranquil, there's no sense of jeopardy, so there's no empathy built for the difficulties they face as refugees or feeling of relief once they find refuge. And I have no idea why it's narrated by the donkey, who is not even shown in half of the spreads. I do like the art though.
November 14, 2016
This is a beautiful Nativity story which reminds us of Christ's humble birth, and that he and his family were refugees. A subtle call for compassion for today's refugees -- and a reminder to Christians among us that our Lord once was a refugee himself.
November 17, 2016
The American release of this book couldn't have been more timely. Could baby Jesus have crossed the border into America in 2016? How we treat the foreigners among us is telling of our faith. Christmas is coming...on a donkey.
December 13, 2016
A moving, timely retelling of the Nativity story with Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus portrayed as refugees, which is precisely what they were.
January 10, 2017
exceptional evocative illustrations and the story of Christmas, going beyond Christmas eve to the part where the family flees to find refuge in Egypt.
September 2, 2019
I love this book.
I could never tire of the Christmas story and the moving nature of this Christmas story is that it is utterly transferrable to the lives of so many today. The language so timelessly and so poignantly tells the story of families who 'dream of danger' and realise the need to flee their homes, 'hoping for the kindness of strangers' and the safety of refuge.
The Christmas story is told from the perspective of the donkey, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus are not named but the familiarity of the Shepherds, Kings and their gift of frankincense ensures we understand. The safety and love of their baby is the motive to endure a long journey to find a new, safer home.
The illustrations are interesting, drawn and painted in just a few shades of grey to blue, with some yellow to highlight. The effect creates the sort of TV image depicting war torn coverage after a bomb or blast has devastated a town; rubble, dust, stone, smoke and fire. The only comforting piece of yellow is the warm glow from an oil lamp when the family do find refuge at the end.
I could never tire of the Christmas story and the moving nature of this Christmas story is that it is utterly transferrable to the lives of so many today. The language so timelessly and so poignantly tells the story of families who 'dream of danger' and realise the need to flee their homes, 'hoping for the kindness of strangers' and the safety of refuge.
The Christmas story is told from the perspective of the donkey, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus are not named but the familiarity of the Shepherds, Kings and their gift of frankincense ensures we understand. The safety and love of their baby is the motive to endure a long journey to find a new, safer home.
The illustrations are interesting, drawn and painted in just a few shades of grey to blue, with some yellow to highlight. The effect creates the sort of TV image depicting war torn coverage after a bomb or blast has devastated a town; rubble, dust, stone, smoke and fire. The only comforting piece of yellow is the warm glow from an oil lamp when the family do find refuge at the end.
April 11, 2022
I liked this book; it was very short and sweet, but it had meaning. The book was about the struggles Mary, Jospeh, Baby Jesus, and the donkey went through to get baby Jesus to safety. The story was narrated from the donkeys point of view; the donkey explained the story from what he saw throughout the journey. The donkeys view was very similar to the story in the Bible. It was a very short book, but the story was told very well. I liked reading it because I have heard the story many times from a human perspective, but never from the animal who carried Mary and Jesus. I know that animals cannot tell a story, but I loved how the author chose the donkey to narrate the story. It made the true story more intriguing and interesting by putting a little twist to the narration of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2018
This book shares the story of the first Christmas from the point of view of the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. This telling, however, focuses on the family fleeing to Egypt to protect the newborn Jesus from Herod. Herod was determined to kill this child because he saw him as a threat to his hold on power. This made the family refugees, looking for the help and kindness of strangers. The easy to understand text, along with the drawings, will help those understand the refugee crisis in the context of the Nativity story. This might be a great story to share with Sunday school kids that are ready to think a little more deeply about global issues.
December 6, 2021
A unique holiday book - the retelling of the Nativity as told from the perspective for the donkey ridden by Mary and led by Joseph - and their plight after the birth of Baby Jesus. this book focuses on what came next as the three fled through the desert fleeing Herod's soldiers looking for a safe place to settle. The illustrations by Sam Usher have distinctive muted colors and tones as if lit by a bright star in the nighttime desert. it is a very timely and unique tale, and given the state of many places in the world where people are fleeing drought, disease, or most importantly government persecution, it is very fitting and timely.
December 12, 2021
I liked this a lot more than Elliot, who complained when I read it. Not sure why. Maybe the muted colors of the illustrations (mostly navy and white space)? It’s a creative book that doesn’t focus on the nativity as much as the journey to Egypt after Joseph received warning in a dream to leave Bethlehem. Told from the donkey’s perspective who traveled with them and carried Mary and baby Jesus.
Recommended reading age: preschool and up.
Recommended reading age: preschool and up.
April 7, 2019
Refuge is a beautifully written and illustrated book about what it looks like to understand the sacredness of life, the blessings of hospitality and the calling to be kind to others. It should be a must read for every Christmas but it needs to be read to all old and young each and every time a group of people are forced to flee from any country or situation.
November 3, 2019
Beautifully illustrated and with a simple, but heartfelt message this is a wonderful re-telling of the familiar nativity story, this time from the point of view of the donkey who carries the young family on their quest for refuge.
Great to spark discussion about refugees and the perfect tie-in read for Christmas.
Great to spark discussion about refugees and the perfect tie-in read for Christmas.
December 31, 2019
I really love the idea of this book: framing the nativity as a refugee story. I especially love that part of the proceeds go towards supporting the UN Refugee Agency! However, this is unfortunately a poorly written tale. Apparently it is supposed to be the donkey's POV though it isn't well established, nor does it make much sense for the story. Fantastic idea, poor execution!
May 31, 2019
The story of Jesus' birth as told by the donkey that carried them.
Focusing on the travel and how they relied on the kindness of others, I don't know how accurate this is, but it is definitely heartwarming.
Focusing on the travel and how they relied on the kindness of others, I don't know how accurate this is, but it is definitely heartwarming.
February 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this cute Christmas story about Mary, Joseph and Jesus as refugees. The timeline doesn’t match with biblical scholars timeline but it’s a children’s book and they were still refugees regardless.
November 30, 2019
Okay read
Very short. Joseph is referred to as the man which makes it like he’s not central to the story. The pronoun usage is inconsistent. Good message but I feel it could have been done better.
Very short. Joseph is referred to as the man which makes it like he’s not central to the story. The pronoun usage is inconsistent. Good message but I feel it could have been done better.
December 24, 2019
It's really good but ends too abruptly, the moment the transition is happening the story ends. I think it would've stronger if it lingered just a bit longer or when the shift was happening that there'd be a little bit before the ending. Besides that, it was really good.
February 19, 2022
This tells the story of Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt with Jesus after Joseph dreams they are in danger. It is told from the point of view of the donkey that carries them. Beautifully illustrated and wonderful that £1.00 from each copy sold goes to War Child.
December 4, 2022
Love this non traditional take on the birth of Jesus. Written from the perspective of the donkey and taking place from Jesus’ birth to their entrance into Egypt, it presents this well known story from a refugee perspective. Beautiful illustrations as well.
December 30, 2016
I think this book is beautiful. The story is narrated by the donkey and tells the nativity story, but continues with the journey of Joseph, Mary and the donkey into Egypt.
December 10, 2017
Beautiful.
April 7, 2018
The Christmas story told by the donkey. "They travel in a strange land, hoping to find refuge in the kindness of strangers."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews