Written by Bahram Rahman
Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
Published by Pajama Press
Mom's Review
Reading If You See a Bluebird made me at once both sad and hopeful. Ali's flight from war in Kabul and his desire to return home is hard to read, no question. It is his grandmother, who emigrated with Ali and his parents, who helps him find peace and joy in his new home. Ali's Nana explains that all of her dreams have come true: her family is safe in a new home where they love one another. Ali considers her words and realizes that they can be true for him as well.
Ali's story of emigration appears against the backdrop of blueberry picking with Nana - it is an important piece of his background but he is not defined by his refugee status. The reader sees the importance of family for Ali; the relationship he has with Nana and the love he feels for his parents shine forth from Grimard's illustrations. An Author's Note at the end explains that Rahman wrote to honor the hope and losses of refugees. I find that she does so compassionately and effectively. Rahman and Grimard together offer an honest and uplifting depiction of what refugees may experience when moving to a safe place. If You See a Bluebird provides a starting point for children to understand what others are facing, or to see their own challenges recognized, valued, and validated. The art is beautiful (I love how the watercolor landscape fill the page) and the story flows smoothly for reading aloud. Beautiful, touching and eminently relevant, If You See a Bluebird is a valuable read.
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