The Colour of Home - Softcover

Hoffman, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0711219915 ISBN 13: 9780711219915

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2003

Synopsis

Hassan feels out of place in a new cold, grey country. At school, he paints a picture showing his colourful Somalian home, covered with the harsh colours of war from which his family has fled. He tells his teacher about their voyage from Mogadishu to Mombasa, then to the refugee camp and on to England. But gradually things change. When Hassan's parents put up his next picture on the wall, Hassan notices the maroon prayer mat, a bright green cushion and his sister Naima's pink dress - the new colours of home.

About this title

Review:

This is a warm, ultimately hopeful story about the world of a refugee child, and the compassion and understanding shown to him by his teachers and schoolmates. --The Ultimate First Book Guide

This book was published three years ago in 2002, but it is quite simply a masterpiece of the picture-book form and cannot be recommended too often or too highly. Mary Hoffman s beautiful and sensitively told story concerns Hassan from Somalia, whose very real tale is trapped inside him with no way to be let out. The manner in which a picture has to be done in class and the revelations it causes is heartrending. Be warned, experience the book alone first before sharing it with youngsters. Many teachers and librarians have found themselves reduced to tears when first meeting the words and pictures here. --Boys into Books 5-11 Riveting Reads

A thoughtful text and pictures which show the contrasts in his life vividly trace Hassan s journey towards integration as he gradually leaves behind the violence he has escaped from and begins to embrace his new world. --Book Ahead 0-7

About the Author:

Karin Littlewood studied Graphic Design at the University of Northumbria, followed by an MA in illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University. She has worked in editorial, packaging, design and advertising, as well as publishing. Her work has been nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal three times.

MARY HOFFMAN is the internationally acclaimed author of over 100 books for children, ranging from picture books to teenage fiction. Her first picture book for Frances Lincoln, Amazing Grace, has become a classic which, with its sequels in the series, has sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. Mary’s other picture books for Frances Lincoln include The Colour of Home with Karin Littlewood and An Angel Just Like Me with Cornelius van Wright, as well as the hugely successful The Great Big Book of Families, The Great Big Book of Feelings, and Welcome to the Family, all with Ros Asquith. Their next title together will be The Great Big Body Book. Mary Hoffman lives in Oxfordshire. For more information about her books visit her website: www.maryhoffman.co.uk

About this edition

• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0711219915
• ISBN 13: 9780711219915
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Littlewood Karin