John Agard's Windrush Child

'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 the Bookseller's children's previews for April '23' the Bookseller

'The illustrations by Sophie Bass powerfully convey his parents’ emotions at different stages of the journey: hope, excitement, anxiety and relief are etched on to their faces in subtle ways. The child’s perspective of his adventure is the true soul of the book though and will stay in the reader’s memory for a long time.' Just Imagine

'Sophie Bass's range as an illustrator is on full display in this historical book that delves into the experience of people from the Caribbean who travelled on the Empire Windrush to England in the years following World War II. There are breathtaking double-page spreads of the ocean, which contrast with illustrations that capture what a fearful child feels during his travels and the art he creates upon arriving at his destination.' The Horn Book

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