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Adnan: The boy who helped his mummy remember
Adnan is the heartwarming story of a refugee boy’s attempts to heal his mother’s mental health issues with the power of his creativity as they rebuild their lives in their new home.
Sometimes, when something sad happens, people can push it so far down because it hurts too much.
That’s why Mummy doesn’t remember.
This touching and sensitively told children's book is a story about a boy and his mother, about trauma and recovery, and how to deal with the challenges of mental health.
It tells the story of an imaginative ten year old Syrian refugee boy who has had to flee his home country with his mother. Now settled in the UK, he must use all his creativity to break through his mother’s PTSD or risk losing her forever.
The book is based on a short film of the same name, which has collected multiple awards and made Official Selection at its first Oscar-qualifier.
Inspired by her own experiences as a refugee, Syrian artist Diala Brisly’s illustrations are powerful and evocative, highlighting the contrast between Adnan’s hope and the helplessness of the mother.
The charity Choose Love will receive 2% of the book’s recommended retail price on every copy sold. Choose Love (formerly Help Refugees) go where the need is greatest. They fill the gaps and act where others won’t. Sometimes that means search and rescue boats. Sometimes it means providing food or safe, secure long-term housing for refugees. Since 2015, they’ve supported over 120 incredible projects and reached over one million people.
Sometimes, when something sad happens, people can push it so far down because it hurts too much.
That’s why Mummy doesn’t remember.
This touching and sensitively told children's book is a story about a boy and his mother, about trauma and recovery, and how to deal with the challenges of mental health.
It tells the story of an imaginative ten year old Syrian refugee boy who has had to flee his home country with his mother. Now settled in the UK, he must use all his creativity to break through his mother’s PTSD or risk losing her forever.
The book is based on a short film of the same name, which has collected multiple awards and made Official Selection at its first Oscar-qualifier.
Inspired by her own experiences as a refugee, Syrian artist Diala Brisly’s illustrations are powerful and evocative, highlighting the contrast between Adnan’s hope and the helplessness of the mother.
The charity Choose Love will receive 2% of the book’s recommended retail price on every copy sold. Choose Love (formerly Help Refugees) go where the need is greatest. They fill the gaps and act where others won’t. Sometimes that means search and rescue boats. Sometimes it means providing food or safe, secure long-term housing for refugees. Since 2015, they’ve supported over 120 incredible projects and reached over one million people.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 13, 2024
4★ (originally an award-winning short film)
“Sometimes, when something sad happens, people can push the memory far away because it hurst so much”.
Adnan is a young refugee whose mother is so traumatised she can’t get out of bed.
“That’s why Mommy doesn’t remember.”
Adnan has gathered a wagon-load of things people have thrown away, and he’s written up a ‘Save Mommy Plan’. He is full of ideas to recreate some of their trip to jog her memory. He thinks he needs to do this to help her.
“ ‘I have a plan and it’s going to work. Then Mommy won’t be sad. Then we can be happy again.’”
Adnan can’t wait to show off their old city.
“ ‘Look, Mommy, this was our home.
This was my grandparents’ house. We visited every Sunday.
This was Dad’s store. He fixed computers.
This was where my sister, Amena, and I went to school.”
I’m not sharing the heartbreaking picture where he has drawn the family on two separate pieces of paper. His buildings have all fallen flat from the bombs, and his father and sister are on a piece of paper he holds high in the air, saying “ ‘That’s when four became two. That’s when you said we had to run.’”
Mommy still looks dazed, so he tries another tack. He takes a long scarf, stretches it over the furniture, and turns on a fan to recreate the wind over the ocean. They are escaping! It’s a rough sea and he falls into the ocean.
“ ‘You pulled me out of the water. You saved my life, Mommy!’”
He’s tried everything he can think of, and when he goes to sleep, he dreams of happier times when his mother used to sing to him at home.
“ ‘I dream of playing with Mommy. I dream of riding my bicycle. I dream that one day these won’t be dreams.’”
He is determined to show her how they got to their new home and makes a path through their new home, pretending to go by the various waypoints to explain where they are now.
Finally, his mother finds his book and realises how hard he has worked.
“ ‘My little Adnan. He did all this for me.’”
Of course he did, just as she protected him through the harrowing ordeal they both went through to get to their new home, because they love each other.
“‘Now I remember.’”
“Sometimes when you love someone enough, you can reach down into their sadness and pull them back.”
When I began reading this, I was frankly startled to see this little boy recreating the bombing of their home and the loss of their family. It seemed as if it would be a terrible shock rather than helpful. But I realise he thinks she forgot and that’s why she’s unhappy in their new home.
It dawns on her that her son remembers all of this, yet still loves her and wants her to be happy with him in their new home . That helps her begin her recovery.
This was a short, award-winning film before it became a picture book, which is why I know that Syria and the UK are the countries referred to. The book itself makes it more universal, which I think is a good thing. We have refugees all over the world who have lost families and homes. This is a good way to share that message and encourage us to help them recover, too.
There are photos and a long discussion at the end of the book for adults, with more information about refugees. They end by saying:
This is a link to information about the film (if the link works)
https://www.adnanshortfilm.com/
A bit about the film:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10123128/
And this is to a short preview for the film.
https://vimeo.com/425203037
Thanks to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the copy for review.
“Sometimes, when something sad happens, people can push the memory far away because it hurst so much”.
Adnan is a young refugee whose mother is so traumatised she can’t get out of bed.
“That’s why Mommy doesn’t remember.”
Adnan has gathered a wagon-load of things people have thrown away, and he’s written up a ‘Save Mommy Plan’. He is full of ideas to recreate some of their trip to jog her memory. He thinks he needs to do this to help her.
“ ‘I have a plan and it’s going to work. Then Mommy won’t be sad. Then we can be happy again.’”
Adnan can’t wait to show off their old city.
“ ‘Look, Mommy, this was our home.
This was my grandparents’ house. We visited every Sunday.
This was Dad’s store. He fixed computers.
This was where my sister, Amena, and I went to school.”
I’m not sharing the heartbreaking picture where he has drawn the family on two separate pieces of paper. His buildings have all fallen flat from the bombs, and his father and sister are on a piece of paper he holds high in the air, saying “ ‘That’s when four became two. That’s when you said we had to run.’”
Mommy still looks dazed, so he tries another tack. He takes a long scarf, stretches it over the furniture, and turns on a fan to recreate the wind over the ocean. They are escaping! It’s a rough sea and he falls into the ocean.
“ ‘You pulled me out of the water. You saved my life, Mommy!’”
He’s tried everything he can think of, and when he goes to sleep, he dreams of happier times when his mother used to sing to him at home.
“ ‘I dream of playing with Mommy. I dream of riding my bicycle. I dream that one day these won’t be dreams.’”
He is determined to show her how they got to their new home and makes a path through their new home, pretending to go by the various waypoints to explain where they are now.
Finally, his mother finds his book and realises how hard he has worked.
“ ‘My little Adnan. He did all this for me.’”
Of course he did, just as she protected him through the harrowing ordeal they both went through to get to their new home, because they love each other.
“‘Now I remember.’”
“Sometimes when you love someone enough, you can reach down into their sadness and pull them back.”
When I began reading this, I was frankly startled to see this little boy recreating the bombing of their home and the loss of their family. It seemed as if it would be a terrible shock rather than helpful. But I realise he thinks she forgot and that’s why she’s unhappy in their new home.
It dawns on her that her son remembers all of this, yet still loves her and wants her to be happy with him in their new home . That helps her begin her recovery.
This was a short, award-winning film before it became a picture book, which is why I know that Syria and the UK are the countries referred to. The book itself makes it more universal, which I think is a good thing. We have refugees all over the world who have lost families and homes. This is a good way to share that message and encourage us to help them recover, too.
There are photos and a long discussion at the end of the book for adults, with more information about refugees. They end by saying:
“Love can change lives.
We can all Choose Love.”
This is a link to information about the film (if the link works)
https://www.adnanshortfilm.com/
A bit about the film:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10123128/
And this is to a short preview for the film.
https://vimeo.com/425203037
Thanks to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the copy for review.
April 28, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Adnan: The Boy Who Helped His Mommy Remember is a heartfelt story about a young boy called Adnan who longs for his mummy to reconnect with him and life in general. Adnans mummy has been in a deep depression since fleeing their home country due to war and conflict. She lost her other child and husband, leaving the family torn in half. Adnan recreates the memories of this time and events using household items to help his mother remember and see how much he loves her and needs her. He won't give up until she comes back to him and makes a special book dedicated to helping her. When his mummy finds the book, she sees how much her little boy needs her, and it brings her hope and realisation and helps bring her through her PTSD and depression.
This books illustrations are so powerful and captivating and really pull at your heart and soul. This brings to light the trauma and suffering refugees face and the ordeal they go through to live a free life we all take for granted.
Adnan: The Boy Who Helped His Mommy Remember is a heartfelt story about a young boy called Adnan who longs for his mummy to reconnect with him and life in general. Adnans mummy has been in a deep depression since fleeing their home country due to war and conflict. She lost her other child and husband, leaving the family torn in half. Adnan recreates the memories of this time and events using household items to help his mother remember and see how much he loves her and needs her. He won't give up until she comes back to him and makes a special book dedicated to helping her. When his mummy finds the book, she sees how much her little boy needs her, and it brings her hope and realisation and helps bring her through her PTSD and depression.
This books illustrations are so powerful and captivating and really pull at your heart and soul. This brings to light the trauma and suffering refugees face and the ordeal they go through to live a free life we all take for granted.
February 20, 2024
Sometimes items that are in the news; unsettling scenes, upsetting pictures and daily headlines of terror and innocent loss of life, fade from our normal responses. We feel helpless, personally unable to make a difference, to stop the killing, the indiscriminate destruction of lives, homes and communities.
A book such as this has so much value. It helps one to address any compassion fatigue and empathetical blindness. Without the need for emotive words and political dogma it tells a simple story.
You cannot help to be moved by the simplicity of the unfolding story and the stark and expressive illustrations.
Above all, you will be moved. You may well feel just as useless to change the plight of refugees but you will find your heart. It still pumps and is filled with compassion.
Hopelessness is replaced by hope.
Appreciation grows for those working in this field and an admiration for those struggling to find security and safety again.
We should also see that trauma has a debilitating hold on those who survive and mental health wellbeing isn’t like a switch.
I am grateful for those who work with refugees and brought this book together. It is a story that needs to be told and amid all the inhumanity of war and hatred it is good to be reminded of one’s own human nature.
A book such as this has so much value. It helps one to address any compassion fatigue and empathetical blindness. Without the need for emotive words and political dogma it tells a simple story.
You cannot help to be moved by the simplicity of the unfolding story and the stark and expressive illustrations.
Above all, you will be moved. You may well feel just as useless to change the plight of refugees but you will find your heart. It still pumps and is filled with compassion.
Hopelessness is replaced by hope.
Appreciation grows for those working in this field and an admiration for those struggling to find security and safety again.
We should also see that trauma has a debilitating hold on those who survive and mental health wellbeing isn’t like a switch.
I am grateful for those who work with refugees and brought this book together. It is a story that needs to be told and amid all the inhumanity of war and hatred it is good to be reminded of one’s own human nature.
June 27, 2024
"Sometimes, when something sad happens, people can push it so far down because it hurts too much.
That’s why Mommy doesn’t remember."
This is something so saddening for a child of KG or middle grade to cope up with when they have their parent/parents but lost them to trauma.
This is a very touching story of a refugee boy who flee from his native country and lives in UK with his mother. His mother who being adult has watched so much to survive and hence affected from PTSD. Her condition made her so tense and dull. Adnan tried his best from his imagination to bring her mother, her happiness back. After all, There is nothing more important and satisfying than watching your parents happy and smiling all the way.
It is a sensitive matter which I personally can relate with. Diala Brisly with her perspicacious illustrations defined the writings of Mark and Steven even more finely. I was unaware that there is a movie, directed by the writers of this picture book initially on which this is based.
A good take away from this poignant picture book is
My NetGalley review
That’s why Mommy doesn’t remember."
This is something so saddening for a child of KG or middle grade to cope up with when they have their parent/parents but lost them to trauma.
This is a very touching story of a refugee boy who flee from his native country and lives in UK with his mother. His mother who being adult has watched so much to survive and hence affected from PTSD. Her condition made her so tense and dull. Adnan tried his best from his imagination to bring her mother, her happiness back. After all, There is nothing more important and satisfying than watching your parents happy and smiling all the way.
It is a sensitive matter which I personally can relate with. Diala Brisly with her perspicacious illustrations defined the writings of Mark and Steven even more finely. I was unaware that there is a movie, directed by the writers of this picture book initially on which this is based.
A good take away from this poignant picture book is
"Sometimes, when you lose hope, you can’t give up. You must keep trying."
My NetGalley review
February 20, 2024
A beautifully illustrated book with a hugely important message. Adnan and his mother have lost so much during the war in Syria, their displacement snd their traumatic journey to safety. Unsurprisingly once she is safe Adnan’s mother succumbs to depression. Adnan uses his love for her and his creativity to draw her back into their new reality and to build up hope for their future.
A message to all- to be kind and loving to people who have been through such trauma, grief and suffering to try and find a safe place to be.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book to review.
A message to all- to be kind and loving to people who have been through such trauma, grief and suffering to try and find a safe place to be.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book to review.
February 17, 2024
This heartbreaking and heartwarming story tells how Adnan and his mother go through so much, only for his mother to become trapped in depression. After his father and sister are killed in the war, Adnan and his mother flee. They are both brave, and Adnan's mother risks herself saving him from drowning.
Now that they are in their new home, Adnan must save her. He finds a way to help her remember who she is and they finally really start over.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Now that they are in their new home, Adnan must save her. He finds a way to help her remember who she is and they finally really start over.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
December 6, 2023
Thank you Edelweiss for the e-arc
This is such a beautiful story. And it contains soooooo many hard topics that honestly we as adults can't even handle. Man, I wish I had this one growing up too! I love children's/illustrated books that talk about hard things. I feel like it's easier to convey emotional information in a simple and visual way.
Based on the author note(?), this story was originally written as movie script to tell the story of children like Adnan who had to leave his home because of the war in Syria(? - the book nor the note say, but considering my limited knowledge and the few pages where Adnan and his mom were on a boat, that's my best guess.). I love the fact the authors used a Syrian artist, which her art, according to her note, is also rooted in her personal experience as a refugee.
There is an afterword(?) included after all the author notes about the Choose Love Organization.
It's great! Highly recommend, so read it when it comes out in May (2024).
Quotes
Like what?!?! I love this. And it's IN A PICTURE BOOK!!!
This is such a beautiful story. And it contains soooooo many hard topics that honestly we as adults can't even handle. Man, I wish I had this one growing up too! I love children's/illustrated books that talk about hard things. I feel like it's easier to convey emotional information in a simple and visual way.
Based on the author note(?), this story was originally written as movie script to tell the story of children like Adnan who had to leave his home because of the war in Syria(? - the book nor the note say, but considering my limited knowledge and the few pages where Adnan and his mom were on a boat, that's my best guess.). I love the fact the authors used a Syrian artist, which her art, according to her note, is also rooted in her personal experience as a refugee.
There is an afterword(?) included after all the author notes about the Choose Love Organization.
It's great! Highly recommend, so read it when it comes out in May (2024).
Quotes
Like what?!?! I love this. And it's IN A PICTURE BOOK!!!
March 21, 2024
I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.
Adnan: The Boy Who Helped His Mommy Remember, by Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton, and Illustrated by Diana Brisly, is a children’s story about a boy who, after escaping a war finding a refuge in a strange place, is trying to help his mother remember him. From using “trash” found around the city, to recreating some of the happiest and most heartbreaking memories from objects in house, Adnan perseveres, even if it may seem hopeless.
I loved how all encompassing Adnan’s mother was to him. After all, when you’re a child, most of the time, your parents are the ones you lean on to provide safety. Of course, this can be any caretaker, but growing up, you learn to lean on the people around you. So for him to take on this role when he’s this young demonstrates a level of maturity that most people will never know.
Moreover, I enjoy how, in the beginning, the illustrations are faded, as though Adnan doesn’t care about the outside world around him, just as long as his mother is okay. The more he interacts with her, regardless of whether or not she remembers, becomes more vibrant. It’s like nothing exists outside of her. It begs the question what would’ve happened had his mother refused to leave her depression, had he had to fend for himself as so many other children have done.
Adnan: The Boy Who Helped His Mommy Remember, by Mark Arrigo and Steven Chatterton, and Illustrated by Diana Brisly, is a children’s story about a boy who, after escaping a war finding a refuge in a strange place, is trying to help his mother remember him. From using “trash” found around the city, to recreating some of the happiest and most heartbreaking memories from objects in house, Adnan perseveres, even if it may seem hopeless.
I loved how all encompassing Adnan’s mother was to him. After all, when you’re a child, most of the time, your parents are the ones you lean on to provide safety. Of course, this can be any caretaker, but growing up, you learn to lean on the people around you. So for him to take on this role when he’s this young demonstrates a level of maturity that most people will never know.
Moreover, I enjoy how, in the beginning, the illustrations are faded, as though Adnan doesn’t care about the outside world around him, just as long as his mother is okay. The more he interacts with her, regardless of whether or not she remembers, becomes more vibrant. It’s like nothing exists outside of her. It begs the question what would’ve happened had his mother refused to leave her depression, had he had to fend for himself as so many other children have done.
February 17, 2024
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing me with this opportunity.
Adnan is a story about a young boy trying to find a way to help his mother through her depression after they barely escaped Syria alive to start a new life together in a foreign country.
Reading what Adnan does to try and understand and help his mother shows how much he loves her and cares for her. Using discarded materials, he repurposes them and tries to make her remember their life together before the bombs fell. Using his imagination he brings their town to life and even when his mother seems like she doesn't remember, Adnan tries and tries. When his mother discovers what her son did for her, you can see the moment in the beautiful illustrations where she realises she still has more to live for and still has her son who loves her very much.
This was a wonderful read, the illustrations were lovely, and I will definitely recommend this book to my friends with children.
Adnan is a story about a young boy trying to find a way to help his mother through her depression after they barely escaped Syria alive to start a new life together in a foreign country.
Reading what Adnan does to try and understand and help his mother shows how much he loves her and cares for her. Using discarded materials, he repurposes them and tries to make her remember their life together before the bombs fell. Using his imagination he brings their town to life and even when his mother seems like she doesn't remember, Adnan tries and tries. When his mother discovers what her son did for her, you can see the moment in the beautiful illustrations where she realises she still has more to live for and still has her son who loves her very much.
This was a wonderful read, the illustrations were lovely, and I will definitely recommend this book to my friends with children.
Read
March 20, 2024Adnan, a ten-year-old Syrian refugee with his mother, has found a new home in the UK. Adnan's mother struggles with mental health issues due to the trauma they've experienced, forgetting many things. Adnan helps his mother remember their past and heal from her trauma.
Adnan sparks conversations about refugees' experiences, the impact of trauma on mental health, navigating life in a new place, resilience, hope, and the power of imagination.
Discussion Questions
1. How does Adnan use his creativity to help his mother remember?
2. What does this book teach us about the experiences of refugees?
3. How does the story illustrate the effects of trauma on mental health?
4. What role does imagination play in healing and recovery in this story?
5. Can you think of ways Adnan shows resilience in the face of adversity?
6. How does this story help us understand and empathize with the experiences of refugees?
Adnan sparks conversations about refugees' experiences, the impact of trauma on mental health, navigating life in a new place, resilience, hope, and the power of imagination.
Discussion Questions
1. How does Adnan use his creativity to help his mother remember?
2. What does this book teach us about the experiences of refugees?
3. How does the story illustrate the effects of trauma on mental health?
4. What role does imagination play in healing and recovery in this story?
5. Can you think of ways Adnan shows resilience in the face of adversity?
6. How does this story help us understand and empathize with the experiences of refugees?
April 15, 2024
Reasonable effort, but not the pleasurable read exactly. A kid keeps recreating his recent past for his mother, worried that she has clammed up and entered a lifeless state because she cannot remember key things. The issue is, of course, the pair are refugees, and she'd probably rather forget a heck of a lot, so it's probably not the best if he rebuilds in the living room their home buildings, prior to the bombing, or recreates the sea voyage when he nearly drowned, or re-enacts the silent threat and helpless panic of the overnight drives to safety. However, if the mother is just a beat away from remembering the power, prospect, creativity and compassion in the lad, then it actually is a very good thing indeed. People with a vested interest in getting the refugee story under the eyes of children will find little to fault here. For me its clever twist still didn't turn this into something getting a personal recommendation.
March 6, 2024
What an emotional and thought provoking story of the journey of Adnan and his Mother as they flee their home country for safety. Once safe Adnan begins another journey to try and make his Mother remember everything that happened so that they can try to be happy together again.
The story has been written in such a way as to make it understandable for young children. It introduces them to a perilous journey that too many families are forced to make in order to flee war torn countries to find safety. It also shows the lasting impact that trauma can have.
This is such an important book for children to read or have read to them, especially in this current climate. I would recommend reading it with your child so you can answer any questions they may have or support them in understanding the tough subject matter.
The story has been written in such a way as to make it understandable for young children. It introduces them to a perilous journey that too many families are forced to make in order to flee war torn countries to find safety. It also shows the lasting impact that trauma can have.
This is such an important book for children to read or have read to them, especially in this current climate. I would recommend reading it with your child so you can answer any questions they may have or support them in understanding the tough subject matter.
February 16, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.
I thought this book was super charming and sweet and it shared many important life lessons that children need to know from an early age. This boy was so good to his Mama and I loved their relationship. I also thought the illustrations were lovely and imaginative. If I had a child, I would read them this book!
—-
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I thought this book was super charming and sweet and it shared many important life lessons that children need to know from an early age. This boy was so good to his Mama and I loved their relationship. I also thought the illustrations were lovely and imaginative. If I had a child, I would read them this book!
—-
Connect with Me <3
My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...
Instagram/bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews...
Substack: https://bookreviewsbyjules.substack.com/
February 16, 2024
I wish I could make every member of Congress — especially the virulently anti-immigrant — read this fabulous picture book. Having suffered the loss of a husband and child and relentless indignities in fleeing war-torn Syria, Adnan’s mother has succumbed to horrible depression. Adnan takes it upon himself to strive to pull her out of it.
Adnan is old beyond his years because he has to be, like all immigrant children. You’ll remember him long after you’ve finished the last hope-inspiring page. This is a book to beguile young and old alike.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley. Quarto Publishing Group and Frances Lincoln Children's Books in exchange for an honest review.
Adnan is old beyond his years because he has to be, like all immigrant children. You’ll remember him long after you’ve finished the last hope-inspiring page. This is a book to beguile young and old alike.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley. Quarto Publishing Group and Frances Lincoln Children's Books in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2024
Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is such a sweet but quite heartbreaking book from a more deep perspective. The illustrations are beautiful and Adnan is able to show us what they went through while having to flee their home and losing his father and sibling without being too intense so that it is suitable to explain the complex issue to younger readers. I appreciated the choose love page at the end to teach us as adults the more complex natures and showing an organisation that helps if we want to do something to help other children like Adnan.
Favourite Quote:
"Sometimes, things get thrown away when they have no purpose. But we found a new home a new purpose."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is such a sweet but quite heartbreaking book from a more deep perspective. The illustrations are beautiful and Adnan is able to show us what they went through while having to flee their home and losing his father and sibling without being too intense so that it is suitable to explain the complex issue to younger readers. I appreciated the choose love page at the end to teach us as adults the more complex natures and showing an organisation that helps if we want to do something to help other children like Adnan.
Favourite Quote:
"Sometimes, things get thrown away when they have no purpose. But we found a new home a new purpose."
February 15, 2024
The scars we see are not always those that cut deepest. This is a poignant children’s picture story book, that speaks so well to adults too. A boy searches for a way to help his mother escape from the mental scars of her escape from war torn Syria. The artwork is superb. The story while heart rending is skilfully, and appropriately, presented. I hope the pictures and story bring as much benefit as the charity donation from the sales to refugees of all conflicts. Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Francis Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
February 23, 2024
We talk numbers and statistics, dollars and cents, opine on governments and politics, factions and ideologies, but at the core of international conflicts and social upheaval, are people. Families. Homes shattered by all of the above, and shattered every moment after by the survivors trying to carry on. I don't pretend to know the hardship, but I do know that this book, with these incredible images, wrecked me. This book about Syrian refugees, made me think of all the people, particularly children all over the world, that have lost any shred of mental peace even once the conflict pauses, or ceases. We have failed.
As for the book, it is beautiful, it is heart wrenching, it is moving, it is an important read, to share and discuss. I have no idea if this is glossing over how to reach someone with PTSD or is accurate, I do not know if it gives hope or oversimplifies, but it gives those of us of privilege, insight and pause and empathy. It is not the victims' responsibility to educate and convince, but being the book is based on a short film by activists and humanitarians who worked with refugees, I think it is ok to use it as a resource to remind us of our humanity, and let the creators know that they were successful in reaching our hearts. Forgive us.
As for the book, it is beautiful, it is heart wrenching, it is moving, it is an important read, to share and discuss. I have no idea if this is glossing over how to reach someone with PTSD or is accurate, I do not know if it gives hope or oversimplifies, but it gives those of us of privilege, insight and pause and empathy. It is not the victims' responsibility to educate and convince, but being the book is based on a short film by activists and humanitarians who worked with refugees, I think it is ok to use it as a resource to remind us of our humanity, and let the creators know that they were successful in reaching our hearts. Forgive us.
May 31, 2024
Wow, this book is powerful! Adnan is a child hoping to help their mommy remember. They’ve had devastation in their life as they are refugees. They have lost their family and now it’s just a Dan and Mom. Mom is sad and Adnan is sure if he can rebuild illustrations of their own life then he can bring his mom back around to happiness. This book is absolutely heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful. It’s a book. I’m sure there are many children that need to feel seen in whatever their new environment may be.
February 19, 2024
Adnan: The boy who helped his mummy remember (Hardcover)
by Mark Arrigo
The story of over coming. A war has cost the family a lot. Adnan's mum has withdrawn. The book shows his living attempt to remind her of the strength she has given him. Great multicultural book, that is needed in schools as students are exposed to more and more refugee children from all over the world. It can show in first person the struggles and sadness of these moves. Being safe is not always easy to accept.
by Mark Arrigo
The story of over coming. A war has cost the family a lot. Adnan's mum has withdrawn. The book shows his living attempt to remind her of the strength she has given him. Great multicultural book, that is needed in schools as students are exposed to more and more refugee children from all over the world. It can show in first person the struggles and sadness of these moves. Being safe is not always easy to accept.
March 7, 2024
This was a heartwarming story about a young boy trying to help his mother remember and I loved it, it's definitely best to go into it knowing little other than that as it's short enough that it won't impact on your enjoyment to go in blindly. I feel as though it is a good introduction to young children to the conflicts going on in the world today with a stunning watercolour art style
I was sent this e-Arc on Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was sent this e-Arc on Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 24, 2024
This was absolutely heartbreaking but suffused with hope about finding the strength to overcome deep sadness and recover. An ideal book to share with pupils who are learning about the struggles of refugees to teach them about empathy and emotions.
March 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and illustrators for this arc. This is a poignant, beautiful story that introduces children to the complexity refugees face as they try to heal and start anew. Definitely a wonderful addition to any classroom.
May 7, 2024
Adnan is an emotionally-charged children's book about a little boy helping his mother remember their previous life. It's moving with such an eerie atmosphere in all of the illustrations. A poignant story about the heartaches refugees go through when starting over in a new country.
June 1, 2024
I am not ashamed to say that I cried while reading Adnan by Mark Arrigo and loved this entire book from the powerful impactful message it imparts to the readers but also the artwork. I will definitely be buying a copy for my own personal library and also recommend this to all my friends.
Read
March 17, 2025Väldigt fin bok med fina illustrationer, för högläsning och samtal. Om en vuxen som vill förtränga och glömma krig och förlust av familjemedlemmar och hem. Och ett barn som vill hjälpa mamma att minnas, bli den trygghet hon brukade vara igen.
February 21, 2024
Heartfelt, beautiful story.
I think stories like this are a good way to stop and remember that children do endure heartache and trauma as well, regardless of what older generations think.
I think stories like this are a good way to stop and remember that children do endure heartache and trauma as well, regardless of what older generations think.
March 17, 2025
Beautiful <3
June 11, 2024
What an odd book. I don't know what I was expecting, but this was not it.
Adnan is a small boy who, with his mother, escaped a terrible reality. As refugees in a new and much safer place, Adnan is adapting, but his mother is not. She has collapsed into herself and is unable to face the memories of their ordeal. Adnan decides the only way to reach his mother is to help her remember. By memory, he constructs a model of their old home and neighborhood.
Is this really the best way to deal with such an experience? I have no idea, but it wouldn't be my first choice when dealing with someone clearly suffering from depression and PTSD. Sure, remembering the good of the before would be helpful, but would this alone shake someone out of their paralyzing shock? I have so many questions.
The illustrations were interesting, but a little too stark, dark and chaotic for my tastes.
Adnan is a small boy who, with his mother, escaped a terrible reality. As refugees in a new and much safer place, Adnan is adapting, but his mother is not. She has collapsed into herself and is unable to face the memories of their ordeal. Adnan decides the only way to reach his mother is to help her remember. By memory, he constructs a model of their old home and neighborhood.
Is this really the best way to deal with such an experience? I have no idea, but it wouldn't be my first choice when dealing with someone clearly suffering from depression and PTSD. Sure, remembering the good of the before would be helpful, but would this alone shake someone out of their paralyzing shock? I have so many questions.
The illustrations were interesting, but a little too stark, dark and chaotic for my tastes.
May 12, 2024
Such a powerful book about Adnan, a young Syrian refugee who lost everything in the war, including his father and sister. Relocated now to the UK, he nearly loses his mother too to PTSD and depression. Adnan's bright spirit and love overcome all as he uses his creativity to bring his mother out of the depths of despond.
The haunting dark illustrations in the first part of the book break through to more joyful scenes as Adnan and his mother find a new purpose and a new home.
Syrian artist Diala Brisly, a former refugee herself, infuses this important short story for children 5-8 with the truth of her own experiences. ADNAN the book is a companion to the short same-named award-winning film; both should be in every school and public library in the land!
The haunting dark illustrations in the first part of the book break through to more joyful scenes as Adnan and his mother find a new purpose and a new home.
Syrian artist Diala Brisly, a former refugee herself, infuses this important short story for children 5-8 with the truth of her own experiences. ADNAN the book is a companion to the short same-named award-winning film; both should be in every school and public library in the land!
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