There is a lot in the news about immigration and refugees, and these can be difficult topics to explain to kids. This list of children’s books about refugees and immigration, are a great way to introduce these concepts to young ones, and inspire them to open their hearts and minds to new friends and new opportunities.

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The Refuge

Written by Sandra le Guen and illustrated by Stephanie Nicolet

This beautiful book was originally published in France, and was translated by Daniel Hahn. The story follows a young girl named Jeannette who tells her parents about a new girl in school. The new girl speaks a different language, so the two of them communicate through their hands and their artwork. Eventually, Jeannette learns that her name is Iliana. She also learns about the journey that Iliana’s family has taken to get there. Throughout the story, the girls share a love of the sky, and Iliana shares how the sky and the stars helped her during their journey, and how it connects them today. This inspiring story is a great way to teach kids to open their hearts to new friendships and learn from those who are different from them.

From Far Away

Written by Robert Munsch and Saoussan Askar and illustrated by Rebecca Green

When Saoussan Askar was a young girl in elementary school, she wrote a letter to Robert Munsch about her life as an immigrant. Together, they created this book which was first published in 1995. The story shares some of the things that Saoussan faced leaving her native Lebanon and moving to a new country. From not understanding the language and traditions to feeling lonely and out of place, Saoussan faces the same trials that many immigrant children face. This is a great way to introduce young children to the hurdles that immigrant children face, and how they can help. The back of the book includes an update on the young author and the life she has lived since first publishing this book.

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The Dress and the Girl

Written by Camille Andros and illustrated by Julie Morstad

This book follows the journey of a young girl and the dress that her mother made for her. She wore it every day while they did the same things around home, but they both longed for an extraordinary adventure. When the little girl’s family immigrates to America from Greece, the dress goes with her, but it gets left in a trunk once they arrive. The trunk with the dress travels around the world, visiting many countries and many people. Eventually it finds itself in a shop window, where the same woman and her own daughter find the dress and take it home. The mother is immediately reminded of all the memories that she had with the dress, connecting her to the life she had before. This story is a comforting tale of connection and passing things from generation to generation.

Migrations: Open Hearts Open Borders

Edited by the International Centre for the Picture Book in Society

This compilation of bright and colorful postcards features a selection of artwork sent from children’s book illustrators all over the world to an exhibition entitled Migrations. This project aimed to show support for migrants all over the world who face difficult circumstances trying to find a safer place to live. The images throughout the book are paired with messages of support and solidarity, and are separated into different sections: Departures, Long Journeys, Arrivals, and Hope for the Future. The back of the book includes information about each of the illustrators featured in the book.

Lilah Tov Good Night

Written by Ben Gundersheimer (Mr. G) and illustrated by Noar Lee Naggan

This beautifully illustrated tale follows a family as they leave their home for a new one. As they travel, the young girl says “Lilah Tov” to all of the creatures and sights that they see along the way. The soothing rhyming text and beautiful illustrations remind the reader of the beauty in the world, no matter where you live. As the family settles into a new home, the gentle story lulls little readers to sleep as well.

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Salma and the Syrian Chef

Written by Danny Ramadan and illustrated by Anna Bron

Salma and her mother left their home in Syria to live in Canada. While they wait for Salma’s father to join them, Salma takes it upon herself to make her mother smile. She decides to make a Syrian recipe on her own to surprise her. The kind people at the Welcome Center are all ready to help her find the right spices and ingredients to make her dish. But as she faces obstacle after obstacle, she begins to get frustrated. In the end, she learns important lessons about the real meaning of home, and the kindness of those around you. Kids everywhere can understand Salma’s desire to cheer up her mother, and everyone can learn from the kindness of Salma’s neighbors.

Common Threads: Adam’s Day at the Market

Written by Huda Essa and illustrated by Merce Tous

This mostly wordless picture book follows a young boy named Adam and his family as they head to the market for the day. But when Adam decides to follow a blue jay that catches his attention, he finds himself lost. He makes his way through the market, attempting to find his parents. But each time he thinks he sees them, he finds someone wearing something similar instead. The illustrations are bursting with bright, colorful garments from a variety of cultures. The colors, patterns, and styles of those garments share as many similarities as differences. When Adam finally finds his family, they make sure to thank all those that have helped him, showing that there is more that connects us than divides us.

Children in Our World: Refugees and Migrants

Written by Ceri Roberts and illustrated by Hanane Kai

This book is one part of a series of nonfiction books for children that tackle difficult topics in a gentle and informative manner. The text in this book addresses the reasons that some people leave their homes and become refugees. It also introduces readers to the obstacles that refugees face when they reach their new home. The book includes a table of contents, a glossary, and and index, as well as information on how parents can talk to their kids about the topics addressed in the book, and how kids can help refugees too. Learn more about this series here.

What are your favorite children’s books about refugees and immigration? Share in the comments below!

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