Member Review

A poignant memory of happier days for author comes true in words here in the form of this picture book. This is a story of a displaced family the aftermath of war when they had to leave for another country where neither food is their own nor did language.

Told from the POV of a young girl, it was depicted very well on how war situations impacted most the Children. A young girl who used to comeback to her home daily from her music classes used to recognize her home from far away by looking at illuminated Star-shaped lamp. When she had to move to another country she missed all those things lacking whatever she learnt and used to since her childhood. But one such day, her mother brought craft papers and they cut-paste the papers to make their very own start-shaped lamp and now after so long she again start to feel bit of a belonging with the place now she is residing in.

Beautifully crafted this picture book can be read to become the thought-provoking emotion in us all for why so many riots and wars required.
Why can't rioters and war-mongers can't just stay shut in their houses and leave rest of the world to peace-offerings? Though not all refugees are good for any country but few are genuine who had to really face the problem.

However, One thing I do not understand from Author's bio is that why she with her family didn't go back to Russia? Why she not felt safe in her own country? Ukraine is not that powerful to destroy Russia so why leave the home? For me, Even if I have to leave my country (God forbid it must become reality) for any such reasons, I believe this is my ardent responsibility to be here and serve her instead of running away, specially when we're much stronger and right in every aspect. Moreover, she lived in Cyprus which is near Lebanon & Syria and in addition not too far from Israel where Palestinian terrorists Hamas militants are attacking, and still you have to keep moving to new place so till when you will do this? Better to go back to your native place in Moscow.

Anyway, illustrations were the most attractive part of this book. Background was so alive and vibrant. Interpretation of author's thoughts behind writing it was clearly elaborated and supported by the sombre expressions of graphics. Noir effect of the reminiscences of author were very grasping and it was having a combination made uniquely by blending realistic graphics with dark hues.