John Agard's Windrush Child

By John Agard

Illustrated by Sophie Bass

A beautifully evocative story of a child's journey to England on board Empire Windrush, from an internationally celebrated, multi-award-winning poet and an extraordinary debut illustrator.

With one last hug, Windrush child says goodbye to his grandmother and the shores of his Caribbean home, before stepping into an adventure across the ocean, to an unknown horizon and a sky full of hope. With stunning, thoughtful lyricism, internationally renowned poet, John Agard, recalls the journey made by thousands of Caribbean children and their families who travelled to Britain as part of the Windrush Generation between 1948 and 1971. Sophie Bass’s joyous and unique illustrations beautifully evoke the changing landscapes, and the uncertainty, bravery and hope of those who travel in search of home.

Categories: Picture Books

For readers aged: 4+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Hardback
  • ISBN: 9781529501124
  • Published: 10 Mar 2022
  • Price: £12.99
  •  
  • Size: 270 x 245 mm
  • Pages: 32

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Customer reviews

Reviews

' a stunning picture book, paired with the distinctive, vibrant art of Sophie Bass' The Bookseller

'A beautiful poetic and visual delight. John Agard's Windrush Child is both an important reflection on the Windrush Generation and a gorgeous bedtime read that will reward repeat readings, deceptively simple, emotionally deep. Sophie Bass’ illustrations are beyond lovely, bold and vibrant that have you lingering on their splendour just as much as Agard’s poetry has you contemplating the emotional landscape of finding a new home.' Joseph Coelho

'John Agard’s hopeful poem commemorates a child’s Windrush journey from the Caribbean, and bold and vivid illustrations sing of palm trees and mangos left behind, and new experiences, including pigeons and terraced houses and snow.' The Sunday Times

'Debut illustrator Bass’s intricate, colourful, arresting pictures bring out all the resonances of Agard’s spare text in this story of a child, a ship, a journey, and a new life enriched by the loves and memories of the old.' Guardian

'Sophie Bass’ bold and vibrant illustrations – a vibrancy that reflects the culture and contribution made by the Windrush Generation – also help to tell the story.' BookTrust

'a poetic story brought to life by Sophie Bass’s colour-popping illustrations' S Magazine, The Daily Mail and Daily Record

'Featured in ‘Best children’s books of 2022 so far’,' Sunday Times

'Featured in Pen & Inc Autumn/Winter 2022 listings, highlighting the best in diversity and inclusion in children's books.' Pen & Inc

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Hardback
£12.99

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