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Wisp: A Story of Hope
Idris is a child refugee, born into a world of tents and fences. He has known no other life than this. He has no memories of the world outside.Then the Wisp arrives, floating in on the evening breeze. Everyone who holds it finds their memories reawakened, their hopes of freedom reborn. But what about Idris, who has no memories? What will happen when he holds the magical Wisp?Storytelling and imagination have the power to offer hope in this extraordinary picture book from the Amnesty CILIP Honour-winning author of The Bone Sparrow, Zana Fraillon, and Kate Greenaway Medal-winning illustrator Grahame Baker Smith.'Grahame Baker Smith's haunting and immersive illustration is perfect for this story of hope in the darkest of places' BookTrust
Hardcover
Published January 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Zana Fraillon
22 books112 followersZana Fraillon is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning author of books for children and young adults. Her work has been published in over 15 countries and is in development for both stage and screen. She has also had pieces published in The Big Issue, The Guardian, Island Magazine, Dark Mountain, Abridged and Sans.Press.
Zana has degrees in history and teaching and having completed her PhD exploring future ancestorship and everyday engagement with voices from our deep past, she is now officially a doctor of ghosts.
When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across her home city. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.
Zana has degrees in history and teaching and having completed her PhD exploring future ancestorship and everyday engagement with voices from our deep past, she is now officially a doctor of ghosts.
When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across her home city. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 8, 2024
ادریس در چادری توی بیابان و در پشت حصار بزرگ شده. روزی نوری از آسمون میاد و ادریس دنبالش میکنه تا نور به پیرمردی میرسه و پیرمرد ناگهان به یاد میاره: زندگی قبل از این روزها. نور امید در بیابان تاریک میمونه تا همه کمکم به یاد بیارن که زندگی میتونه چیزی بیشتر از این باشه
تصویرگری زیبای این کتاب در کنار متن ساده اما پر استعاره و ادبیش باعث شده که این کتاب خیلی عمیقتر از یک کتاب کودک باشه. داستان سراسر ندای امید به آیندهست. اما حرف زدن از امید و روشنایی بین صفحههای تاریک کتاب حس واقعیت میده. امیدی که جاش توی دل تاریکیه
داستان مستقیم در مورد پناهندگان و جنگزدگان صحبت نمیکنه که این دست کسی که کتاب رو همراه با کودک میخونه رو باز میگذاره که هرچقدر لازمه توضیح بده. البته که برای خوندن کتاب نیاز نیست حتماً کودکی کنارتون باشه. این داستان به اندازهی چند دقیقهی کوتاه حتی بزرگسالان رو به قسمتهای تاریک و روشن دنیا میبره
کتاب رو میتونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books
۱۴۰۳/۴/۱۷
تصویرگری زیبای این کتاب در کنار متن ساده اما پر استعاره و ادبیش باعث شده که این کتاب خیلی عمیقتر از یک کتاب کودک باشه. داستان سراسر ندای امید به آیندهست. اما حرف زدن از امید و روشنایی بین صفحههای تاریک کتاب حس واقعیت میده. امیدی که جاش توی دل تاریکیه
داستان مستقیم در مورد پناهندگان و جنگزدگان صحبت نمیکنه که این دست کسی که کتاب رو همراه با کودک میخونه رو باز میگذاره که هرچقدر لازمه توضیح بده. البته که برای خوندن کتاب نیاز نیست حتماً کودکی کنارتون باشه. این داستان به اندازهی چند دقیقهی کوتاه حتی بزرگسالان رو به قسمتهای تاریک و روشن دنیا میبره
کتاب رو میتونید از اینجا دانلود کنید
Maede's Books
۱۴۰۳/۴/۱۷
July 16, 2024
کتاب عجیبی بود. یه مدل تاریکی ذاتی در سراسر کتاب بود و باعث میشد پیامی که میخواد انتقال بده بیشتر و قویتر اثر بذاره.
حالا من خیلی آدم امید داری نیستم ولی داستان رو برا بچه ها بخونین شاید بذر امید توشون رشد کرد.
حالا من خیلی آدم امید داری نیستم ولی داستان رو برا بچه ها بخونین شاید بذر امید توشون رشد کرد.
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January 21, 2020So. Beautiful.
Read
February 22, 2019A story that needs to be told, about the refugee situation. Though it's also a story full of hope, and with words that are gentle enough that it won't scare the youngest of readers.
November 23, 2019
The picturebook opens with a looming black wall that drowns out the skies and a small, ramshackle home surrounded by fencing. This is the home of Idris, a young boy who seems disconnected from anything natural or real. He is not alone, others are here but they have forgotten who they are and why they came. The wall which surrounds their homes has made them forget. Then one night a wisp floats down from the night sky and gradually the different people begin to have their pasts rekindled and for each of them, the awakening of this memory and sharing it with others makes a great, hopeful change.
Wisp is, for me, a far more hopeful and gentler version of The Bone Sparrow but with a veil of honesty and sadness over the plight of refugees. And alongside her words are Baker-Smith's haunting, dream-like photoshop illustrations. The marriage between word and image work so well here and I expect both were happy with working with the other. Although the ending is dreamlike too and brimming with images of a better world, Fraillon is keen to ground it in reality and, perhaps, sees this book as a chance to educate and humanise both the reader's understanding of refugees and the reader themselves.
Wisp is, for me, a far more hopeful and gentler version of The Bone Sparrow but with a veil of honesty and sadness over the plight of refugees. And alongside her words are Baker-Smith's haunting, dream-like photoshop illustrations. The marriage between word and image work so well here and I expect both were happy with working with the other. Although the ending is dreamlike too and brimming with images of a better world, Fraillon is keen to ground it in reality and, perhaps, sees this book as a chance to educate and humanise both the reader's understanding of refugees and the reader themselves.
March 5, 2021
A story of hope at a difficult time for the characters. The illustrations beautifully demonstrate how it might feel to be in a refugee camp. The page with the wall taking up much of the page and the plant coming out the top had a really powerful impact on me, I can see it so vividly in my mind now! The use of colour demonstrated how dark it must feel to be in a refugee camp and that their is still hope for them!
In practice, this book prompted a very important, sensitive discussion about what a refugee camp might be like and the circumstances which may lead someone here. The discussion would not have happened without the book prompting it and it was a topic which the boy had no prior knowledge of.
In practice, this book prompted a very important, sensitive discussion about what a refugee camp might be like and the circumstances which may lead someone here. The discussion would not have happened without the book prompting it and it was a topic which the boy had no prior knowledge of.
March 29, 2019
When I read this story I was touched, moved and full of hope. This beautiful book opens a gateway for the reader to emphasise with the characters and story. The vocabulary is elegantly used and the illustrations bring a feel of magic which ties the whole book together. A unifying hope for the future is bound within this book and it is told in such a way that will help each and every reader wish for it.
October 5, 2020
A beautiful story of hope. Idris lives in a refugee camp and has done his whole life. One day a Wisp comes and he follows it to a person, the Wisp holds their happy memories. This happens multiple times before Idris’s own Wisp arrives but he doesn’t have any memories from outside the camp. His Wisp represents hope and a happier life to come. The story shows the hope refugee children need without forgetting the difficulties they live with. The description is vivid and engaging and this is reflected in the illustrations.
July 15, 2024
خیلی کتاب قشنگی بود. تصویرگریها، داستان، و متن و زبانی که به کار برده بود عالی بودن.
داستان پسرکیه که در شهری بدون هیچ نشانهای از زنده بودن زندگی میکنه. وجود نوری باعث میشه تا آدمهای سرد و بیروح اونجا دوباره زندگی و خاطراتشون قبل از بودن در اون کمپ رو به یاد بیارن. داستان و خاطرات به «قول و پیمان» بدل میشهان و از قول، امید به وجود میاد.
۰۳/۰۴/۲۵
داستان پسرکیه که در شهری بدون هیچ نشانهای از زنده بودن زندگی میکنه. وجود نوری باعث میشه تا آدمهای سرد و بیروح اونجا دوباره زندگی و خاطراتشون قبل از بودن در اون کمپ رو به یاد بیارن. داستان و خاطرات به «قول و پیمان» بدل میشهان و از قول، امید به وجود میاد.
۰۳/۰۴/۲۵
January 25, 2020
A truly stunning picture book with many messages to take from it.
Idris, an orphaned refugee, struggles in the shadows amongst other refugees. The dark shadows represent a difficult past with few happy memories. However, when the wisp arrives he is the only one to listen to the memories of others that the wisp wants to share. This takes Idris on a journey that promises hope and and the prospect of his wishes and dreams for the future.
I couldn’t recommend this book anymore. One to definitely share with a class, whether to plan across the curricular with, or simply enjoy together.
Idris, an orphaned refugee, struggles in the shadows amongst other refugees. The dark shadows represent a difficult past with few happy memories. However, when the wisp arrives he is the only one to listen to the memories of others that the wisp wants to share. This takes Idris on a journey that promises hope and and the prospect of his wishes and dreams for the future.
I couldn’t recommend this book anymore. One to definitely share with a class, whether to plan across the curricular with, or simply enjoy together.
June 8, 2020
Lovely illustrations and story. There is so much more that can be unpicked from this book. The illustrations say much more than the words. It has great opportunities for inference and imagination. It is not obvious that Idris is a refugee, it is said on the blurb, but i wonder what the children will discuss and take from this book?
March 20, 2022
Look - a beautiful picturebook!
This picturebook follows the story of hope and how such a concept can bring life back into one's eyes.
Simple concept, but effectively told 👌
This picturebook follows the story of hope and how such a concept can bring life back into one's eyes.
Simple concept, but effectively told 👌
July 10, 2020
Wisp: A Story of Hope is another book that is an essential read about the refugee crisis.
Idris is a child refugee surrounded by fences and tents. He lives on the dirt land underneath the blazing sun with a lack of water to keep himself cool. This is the only life he has ever known but others in the camp have known better, they have memories of a world outside. When a Wisp lands on the barren ground that Idris calls home nobody but he notices it. When he holds it in his hands, the Wisp seeks out a person, a person with their own story to tell. And as the Wisp is placed into the hands of the person it has sought their memories are reawakened and their hopes for a better life are reignited. With each new Wisp, Idris has more hope of seeing lands far beyond his own. But when a Wisp turns up and it does not seek anyone out Idris is confused. It seems that the Wisp is meant for him, but how can it be when he has no memories other than the small, small world in which he has lived. Perhaps he doesn’t need memories of the past, perhaps his Wisp is meant for dreams of a future. A dream about a future yet to be decided…
The illustrations from Grahame Baker-Smith are striking. The darkness in much of the book is used effectively to replicate the dark situation of the refugees whilst the memories of better times are bright and the contrast between the two is powerful. I love the images of the Wisp; it looks magical, it’s light casting hope and light on those in the darkest of times.
Even though this is a book for younger children, Zana Fraillon does not shy away from the harsh realities that refugees face. She has expertly written about the refugee crisis in a sensitive way and has included some deliciously creative words in ‘gentlied' and ‘softlied’ (they just fit perfectly within the narrative). Yes the refugee crisis is awful and more must be done but this story is a read full of hope and strong memories about better times, and for Idirs, hopefully the times yet to come.
Recommended for 6+.
Idris is a child refugee surrounded by fences and tents. He lives on the dirt land underneath the blazing sun with a lack of water to keep himself cool. This is the only life he has ever known but others in the camp have known better, they have memories of a world outside. When a Wisp lands on the barren ground that Idris calls home nobody but he notices it. When he holds it in his hands, the Wisp seeks out a person, a person with their own story to tell. And as the Wisp is placed into the hands of the person it has sought their memories are reawakened and their hopes for a better life are reignited. With each new Wisp, Idris has more hope of seeing lands far beyond his own. But when a Wisp turns up and it does not seek anyone out Idris is confused. It seems that the Wisp is meant for him, but how can it be when he has no memories other than the small, small world in which he has lived. Perhaps he doesn’t need memories of the past, perhaps his Wisp is meant for dreams of a future. A dream about a future yet to be decided…
The illustrations from Grahame Baker-Smith are striking. The darkness in much of the book is used effectively to replicate the dark situation of the refugees whilst the memories of better times are bright and the contrast between the two is powerful. I love the images of the Wisp; it looks magical, it’s light casting hope and light on those in the darkest of times.
Even though this is a book for younger children, Zana Fraillon does not shy away from the harsh realities that refugees face. She has expertly written about the refugee crisis in a sensitive way and has included some deliciously creative words in ‘gentlied' and ‘softlied’ (they just fit perfectly within the narrative). Yes the refugee crisis is awful and more must be done but this story is a read full of hope and strong memories about better times, and for Idirs, hopefully the times yet to come.
Recommended for 6+.
December 22, 2018
I loved this book. Normally I don't get emotional with a little picture book, but with this one there is a moment where I did.
The book follows Idris who is a boy in a refugee camp, the refugee camp being painted beautifully by the words. In fact the words used in the story are great throughout, with poetic licence used to make up some words, e.g. gentlied, softlied, to make the story stand out.
Everyone in the camp is sad and alone. Wisps fall from the night sky but only Idris seems to notice them, and each time he finds one they go off and find someone in the camp and remind that person of a happy moment past when they were not a refugee but a normal person. Then a Wisp comes that is meant for Idris. And he sits and waits to see his memory but nothing happens. "Idris had lived his whole life in this small, small world. There was nothing to remember." But when the Wisp turns into something else the book becomes emotional, and there is a happy ending.
The art of the book is great. On a flick through it looks very dark but that is deliberate. The refugee camp is dark but the memories are brighter and the ending is also brighter and lighter. There is also good artwork demonstrating the refugee's memories of days past, e.g. an old refugee with bent back and a walking stick gazes up at his younger self on a boat on the sea.
It is true that the message is political and may pass young children by, but it gives you a chance to engage on a subject that you wouldn't normally engage on with your child, and it is a good read for an adult. I loved it.
The book follows Idris who is a boy in a refugee camp, the refugee camp being painted beautifully by the words. In fact the words used in the story are great throughout, with poetic licence used to make up some words, e.g. gentlied, softlied, to make the story stand out.
Everyone in the camp is sad and alone. Wisps fall from the night sky but only Idris seems to notice them, and each time he finds one they go off and find someone in the camp and remind that person of a happy moment past when they were not a refugee but a normal person. Then a Wisp comes that is meant for Idris. And he sits and waits to see his memory but nothing happens. "Idris had lived his whole life in this small, small world. There was nothing to remember." But when the Wisp turns into something else the book becomes emotional, and there is a happy ending.
The art of the book is great. On a flick through it looks very dark but that is deliberate. The refugee camp is dark but the memories are brighter and the ending is also brighter and lighter. There is also good artwork demonstrating the refugee's memories of days past, e.g. an old refugee with bent back and a walking stick gazes up at his younger self on a boat on the sea.
It is true that the message is political and may pass young children by, but it gives you a chance to engage on a subject that you wouldn't normally engage on with your child, and it is a good read for an adult. I loved it.
October 9, 2020
This picture book tells the story of a young refugee called Idris. He was born in a refugee camp and has only seen tents and fences. Many of the people around him have lived there for a long time and have some memories of the life they had before they came to the camp but many have lost hope of getting a better life.
Then one day the Wisp arrives on the evening breeze. At first nobody notices except Idris. It moves around the camp visiting different people. Anyone who holds it remembers things from their past and are given the hope of freedom. But Idris has no memories and wonders what will happen when he holds the magical Wisp.
Wisp has really amazing illustrations. The colours are stunning and there is so much detail. The book uses a gentle story help young children learn about refugees and how it must feel to leave your home everyone you know and love. The characters have sad lives but there is a positive ending and we have hope that their lives will get better in the future.
Then one day the Wisp arrives on the evening breeze. At first nobody notices except Idris. It moves around the camp visiting different people. Anyone who holds it remembers things from their past and are given the hope of freedom. But Idris has no memories and wonders what will happen when he holds the magical Wisp.
Wisp has really amazing illustrations. The colours are stunning and there is so much detail. The book uses a gentle story help young children learn about refugees and how it must feel to leave your home everyone you know and love. The characters have sad lives but there is a positive ending and we have hope that their lives will get better in the future.
March 13, 2019
This was the beautifully illustrated story of Idris, a young boy who lives in a world full of shadows. One day a wisp falls nearby and everyone but Idris ignores it. He follows it to an old man, and the man is filled with hope. More wisps come and awaken the memories of the people in Idris' community, filling the world with joy and colour. Will a wisp come that will stay with Idris?
This was a more challenging story than I had expected and is probably aimed at a slightly older age group than my year 1 class. However, they enjoyed listening and understood that the growing colour linked to the increased hope and joy of the characters. It was a very different representation of hope, and it was nice to see that while some characters found hope in their past experiences, others found hope in thinking about the future.
This was a more challenging story than I had expected and is probably aimed at a slightly older age group than my year 1 class. However, they enjoyed listening and understood that the growing colour linked to the increased hope and joy of the characters. It was a very different representation of hope, and it was nice to see that while some characters found hope in their past experiences, others found hope in thinking about the future.
February 22, 2020
I knew that I had to read this one as soon as I spotted it because I loved Zana Fraillon's writing in The Bone Sparrow and Grahame Baker Smith's illustrations. This book is an object of beauty, with ethereal, haunting illustrations full of magic and a sparse, yet imaginative writing style. The wisp represents the happy memories of life before entering the refugee camp and the hope of a better future. A timely reminder of the fact that we are all humans and any one of us could fall on hard times so compassion and care are more important than ever.
March 18, 2020
One of my favourite books ever. This story is stunning from start to finish and has many inspirational messages to take from it. The main message of the story is about imagining our past, our stories and our futures. It is about imagining the world we want to live in and what we can do to help those in need. It whispers of community, and of story, of memory and share culture, of difference and celebration. A super important book, I love it. See my cross-curricular plans on this book here: https://app.box.com/s/ctxwmdgj3e036in...
July 30, 2021
Powerful story about holding on to hope in the darkest of times. A young boy who lives in a refugee camp sees a small light come down from the sky. He follows it to see where it belongs. An elderly man shares his memories and regains a little joy. This happens over and over until a wisp arrives for the child. His is the gift of a promise for the future as he has never lived beyond the borders of this camp.
Beautifully illustrated with simple words to touch hearts. Excellent book to talk about connections and finding beauty and hope in the midst of darkness.
Beautifully illustrated with simple words to touch hearts. Excellent book to talk about connections and finding beauty and hope in the midst of darkness.
July 19, 2020
A story of hope that needs to be told in our challenging world. The story and images deal with a topical situation in such a gentle way as to engage even the youngest of readers without frightening them of the world we live in.
February 23, 2021
Theme: Being alone. Hope. How important stories, music and memories are. How you should listen to people’s stories - understanding who they are and what they have lived through. ‘Story catching’. Immigration/camps. Promises/dreams.
Stunning illustrations - so much drama and depth.
Stunning illustrations - so much drama and depth.
January 16, 2023
Awful, awful, awful book.
Dreadfully written, displaying some of the worst grammar I have ever come across. There are far more effective ways in approaching a delicate subject matter, this is NOT it.
Never ever write a book again, please.
Dreadfully written, displaying some of the worst grammar I have ever come across. There are far more effective ways in approaching a delicate subject matter, this is NOT it.
Never ever write a book again, please.
January 15, 2019
Refugee
April 23, 2019
Heart warming and inspiring book. Could definitely be used with KS2 children to help them understand refugees and to empathise. Lovely illustrations too.
February 25, 2020
Love this book - great for my climate change topic
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August 31, 2020Beautiful illustrations, but I'm afraid I didn't think much of the story.
February 12, 2021
A story of hope and the refugee situation in child friendly language
March 20, 2022
Beautiful picture book highlighting the lives and loves people left behind before events forced them to become a refugee.
January 16, 2023
What a beautiful book!
June 25, 2024
The last line on the cover will make you think and read again..your heart may go cold for a while.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews