Saving Stella: A Dog's Dramatic Escape From War

by Bassel Abou Fakher, Bassel Abou Fakher, Nadine Kaadan (Illustrations)

For fans of Two Bobbies comes a moving, true story about a young man and his dog who escape the violence of the Syrian War.

Some bonds are stronger than war . . .

Life for musician Bassel and his dog Stella in Damascus, Syria, has changed since the civil war began. Instead of enjoying long walks through their neighborhood, they hear bombs toppling buildings and sharp blasts of gunfire through the night. When it becomes too dangerous for him to stay, Bassel makes the difficult decision to escape, leaving his family, friends--and Stella--behind.

After a long, dangerous journey, Bassel finally finds refuge in Belgium, but misses his family, his home, and most of all . . . Stella. With the help of friends in his new home, Bassel hatches a dramatic plan to rescue his beloved dog.

This remarkable, true story will inspire readers and remind them that even amid the harshest circumstances of war, acts of kindness and humanity will always endure.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, War, Nonfiction, Childrens, Transport, Music

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 3, 2020

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book with its interesting watercolor and colored pencil drawings is a 3.5 for me. I'm a sucker for true stories about animals and heroic rescues, and this one focuses on both of those. As violence in his hometown of Damascus, Syria escalates, musician Bassel becomes increasingly concerned about his ability to survive. He arranges to flee the country because even trying to walk his dog Stella is fraught with danger. His trip isn't easy as he must travel through Turkey before boarding a dinghy, spending time in a refugee camp, and finally finding a new home in Brussels, Belgium with a kind-hearted family. Although Bassel is safe, he worries about Stella, and he and his new friends make arrangements for Stella to be transported by various means to Belgium. There were many steps and complications along the way, and the text vividly describes the danger and anxiety of her travels. In the end, though, Stella reaches Bassel and starts a new life, where she can "bask in the sunlight, like a tulip in spring, all the bright new days overshadowing the dark ones" (unpaged). Readers will quickly be caught up in the drama of bringing Stella to her new home and all the frightening moments she and Bassel experienced on their separate trips. Back matter provides more information Bassel and about the artwork as well as the Syrian War and the refugee crisis. Since Bassel was 19 when he left Syria, some young readers may assume from the pictures that he was much younger. I particularly loved seeing a photo of the real Stella, wrapped in Bassel's arms. This picture book might be a good tool to introduce the refugee crisis or the toll that war takes on civilians. I'm undecided as to whether more of the story should have been devoted to what life in Syria was like during those initial days of the conflict. Anyone who enjoyed The Cat Man of Aleppo is likely to be interested in reading this one as well. Still, I'm sure there are those who would question all this effort and expense to bring a dog to safety.

[Sophie Klase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Stella: A Dog’s Dramatic Escape from War is on the NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People list. This book tells the story of Bassel, who escaped from a war in Syria. He finds refuge in Belgium but longs for his family, home, and Stella. The story then shows Bassel’s plan to rescue Stella from the warzone. This is a unique book that highlights issues that many children’s books do not. These are important world current events that children should be aware of. I like how the author breaks it down in a way that children can relate to in a way. Most children love their pet just like Bassel so there is a connection formed with the character. Teachers can use this book to teach their students about the wars in Syria. They can also use it to touch on the topics of refugees and why people are leaving their homes.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir/picture book of a young Syrian man who had to leave his home, family, and dog, Stella, because of the raging war. This story is heavy and should be handled carefully if used as an interactive read aloud. The syntax and structure are accessible to young readers, but the content may be hard for some to comprehend and manage emotionally. The author and illustrator notes give context.

Text Features: Note from the author, Note from the illustrator, map of the Middle East, "More about the Wyrian War...", and a For More Information section

Audience: 2nd-6th grade
Curriculum Connections: Refugees, Save the Children, memoirs, empathy, geography, politics, pets/responsibility

[Erin *BookDragon_Library* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice illustrations. A story about a young man fleeing Syria during war and leaving behind his dog. Briefly tells of him taking a boat to Turkey and living in a refugee camp for a couple months and eventually ending up in Belgium. It is a true story and I thought it was pretty amazing that he went through the trouble and was able to get his dog out of Syria and to Belgium. It is not extremely text dense but there is some full page back matter authors notes and illustrator notes along with two pages about the war in Syria and refugees. It ends with a note on how kids can help support refugees.


Notes: Syria. Refugee. War. Dog. Fleeing country.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The turmoil in Syria and the subsequent refugee crisis is a difficult topic for kids to fully understand (though possibly getting easier to imagine, what with Trump's reign of terror and the violence it has incited right here in America. Anywho...)

What Saving Stella: A Dog's Dramatic Escape From War does well is show what fleeing strife can look like through a relatable source: a dog. Many children have dogs as pets. They know dogs need food and walks; if a dog can't safely go outside or eat good food, they must find a new home. It's an easy sentiment for children to translate from pet to people.

Author Bassel Abou Fakher's story is sadly one of a multitude. Bassel was fortunate to escape tyranny and war, as was Stella, but many still toil in unknowns and fears. Hopefully, one day, all Syrians will find their way home.

[Taylor Tuchek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is very heartfelt as a young boy named Bassell has to leave his home, family, friends, and most importantly his dog Stella. He had to go on a long journey to Europe, because he becomes a refugee because his town is no longer safe for him to live in. But it shows the readers to never give up and always stay hopeful because although his journey is tough, he is still able to have a home and eventually see his dog Stella again.

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. A young musician decides to flee his home in war torn Syria but due to the rugged escape route he was unable to take his beloved dog Stella. Luckily Bassel spent only a short time in the refugee camps and found a new home in Belgium. Even better, he is able to send for Stella. Based on actual events, author and illustrator notes, more information on the Syrian refugee crisis, and how to help refugees in general. Love the color palette and illustration style.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renton Highland Library, Easy Nonfiction

It took me a while to figure out that the main character was an adult, although maybe the 5:00 shadow should have been a hint. But after that his story of traveling in search of a decent life and then his friends rallying to send his dog, was inspiring. He had a co-author who has written other nonfiction that I've enjoyed and an illustrator who captured the feel of both the danger in war and the relief of finding a safe harbor.

[Mariko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Stella is the true story of musician Bassel Fakher rescue of his dog Stella from Damascus, Syria.

The touching story is wonderfully illustrated by Nadine Kaadan's watercolors.

[Terri Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did this make me tear up?
Yes. Yes it did.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this tale of a Syrian refugee who with the help of his new rescue family rescues his beloved dog from war torn Damascus