Booklist

Nicki Cornwell illustrated by Karin Littlewood
Christophe's Story
Frances Lincoln (74 pages) 9781845075217
This review also covers the title The Colour of Home.

Both stories happen to feature boys from African countries, but many others have been in similar situations in other parts of the world. Sadly, children with parallel experiences are constantly arriving in our schools.

Two books with a theme in common: the difficulties a boy encounters in trying to describe the awful occurrences which led to his being in England, in an English school, and far from his previous home. Christophe's grandfather had impressed upon him the importance of telling stories, so when faced with the task of writing a story he is in a quandary. His days pass with some teasing and bullying, coping with all things new - including the language - and finally friendships through the bond of football. Then, only then, he tells the class of his family, his baby brother killed, the bullet that scarred his body, fleeing from home, and leaving Rwanda. He summons the wherewithal for his story to be written and read in assembly too. Christophe's Story is illustrated with drawings by Karin Littlewood and the same artist's stupendous watercolours are featured in The Colour of Home. This book was published three years longer ago than any other here, 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.

Mary Hoffman illustrated by Karin Littlewood
The Colour of Home
Frances Lincoln (32 pages) 9780711219915
This title is reviewed alongside Christophe's Story.