The Day War Came

By Nicola Davies

Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

A powerful and necessary picture book – the journey of a child forced to become a refugee when war destroys everything she has ever known.

Imagine if, on an ordinary day, war came. Imagine it turned your town to rubble. Imagine going on a long and difficult journey – all alone. Imagine finding no welcome at the end of it. Then imagine a child who gives you something small but very, very precious... When the government refused to allow 3000 child refugees to enter this country in 2016, Nicola Davies was so angry she wrote a poem. It started a campaign for which artists contributed drawings of chairs, symbolising a seat in a classroom, education, kindness, the hope of a future. The poem has become this book, movingly illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. A powerful aid for explaining the ongoing refugee crisis to younger readers. Published in partnership with Help Refugees. Endorsed by Amnesty International.

Categories: Picture Books

For readers aged: 5+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781406382938
  • Published: 04 Apr 2019
  • Price: £7.99
  •  
  • Size: 235 x 280 mm
  • Pages: 32

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'“In a wholly different register, The Day War Came combines Nicola Davies’s simple, hard-hitting text and Rebecca Cobb’s pencil drawings to evoke the destruction of everyday reality for the youngest victims of conflict. Thought-provoking and poignant, it’s an excellent answer to the question of how to talk to children about war.”' The Guardian

'“The deceptively simple narrative combined with Rebecca Cobb’s evocative illustrations make this a useful tool for explaining the refugee crisis to younger readers.”' Oldie

'“[…] it ends on a powerful notes about the power of kindness and the potential for a better future.”' Surrey Advertiser

'“an incredibly powerful picture book […]. Cobb’s illustrations are both beautiful and devastating.” ' The Bookseller

'“A tale of humanity and compassion that is worth sharing.”' South Wales Evening Post

'“There are few modern children’s books that make you cry. This is one of them.” ' The Times

'“[…] both heart-breaking and delightful. […] It’s an intense read but offers a valuable lesson in kindness and, like so many of the best picture books, leaves you looking at the world through the hopeful eyes of a child.” ' The Observer

'An important and beautiful book.' a & u books

' […] both heart-breaking and delightful. […]. It’s an intense read but offers a valuable lesson in kindness and, like so many of the best picture books, leaves you looking at the world through the hopeful eyes of a child.”' The Observer

'“In a wholly different register, The Day War Came combines Nicola Davies’s simple, hard-hitting text and Rebecca Cobb’s pencil drawings to evoke the destruction of everyday reality for the youngest victims of conflict. Through-t-provoking and poignant, it’s an excellent answer to the question of how to talk to children about war.” ' The Guardian

'“The deceptively simple narrative combined with Rebecca Cobb’s evocative illustrations make this a useful tool for explaining the refugee crisis to younger readers.” ' Oldie

'“[…] it ends on a powerful notes about the power of kindness and the potential for a better future.” – Children’s Book of the Week' Surrey Advertiser

'“A must read book for anyone who values humanity.”' Red Reading Hub

'“To create a book like this for children is no mean feat. It is also a book that, for me, gave new meaning to the term unputdownable.”' The Glasgow Herald

'“[…] a book for anyone who has ever felt lost and alone. War is a difficult topic to talk about but Davies’ story makes it accessible and relatable.” ' TheScotsman.com

'“A truly important book, The Day War Came is both a useful educational tool and a brilliant discussion starter for real humanitarian issues that are affecting children around the world.”' Becca Watts, Carousel

'“This might not look like a festive tale but, truly, it’s one of the year’s most powerful picture books from one of the best children’s writers in the business.”' HuffingtonPost.co.uk

'“Adult readers will read this with a growing fury and indignation at how we treat these lost and abandoned children. And that is okay. Sometimes it's right to be preachy. We must keep those thoughts flinty and pointed.”' The Big Issue

'A story for children experiencing the unthinkable, and also for those who want to know how to help.' Books That Help

'A powerful aid for explaining the ongoing refugee crisis to younger readers.' Children’s Books Ireland

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Paperback
£7.99

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