Azzi In Between

Product Information

The graphic novel-style picture book is heartbreaking but something children need to recognise as normal in some people's lives, even pupils in their own class.

This is a beautifully told, beautifully drawn story of a young girl who becomes a refugee and flees her home country with her parents. The journey is scary, Azzi misses her Grandma, and she doesn't understand the language in her new country. This would be perfect for a class that has a new starter in their class, or just to help a child's own moral compass. It offers many discussion points in PSHE; drama and writing opportunities in Literacy; and learning about plants in Science.Exploration of the facets that build a sense of belonging would be so essential to discuss, helping to increase awareness that a journey to safety is not over through the mere crossing of territory, and worries do not always heal by distancing oneself from the place of danger. It would help other children to understand what refugees go through which links to citizenship and could help them to develop empathy. So she works hard and plants surprise beans for her father, all the while wishing that her grandmother was there. I would honestly recommend this book to all teachers, adults and children over a certain age/maturity.

It is important to understand that this is similar to events which are happening in the world right now. Covering many genres some are great for engaging reluctant readers while others are perfect to entertain those reading above their age. Azzi arrives in a new, unfamiliar country where she must learn a new language and live among strangers. This child’s powerful and heart-warming story of her family’s flight, escaping as refugees in the night, inspires compassion and offers comprehension of things both strange and complex.It is so important for each child to be accepting of everyone else and to understand the different journeys each person may have been through to get where they are today.

very touchy story and very expressive illustrations, a lot to tell and to explain to your kids behind its lines , about war, homeland meaning , the refugee's suffering, family and hope. She has illustrated Margaret Mahy’s Dashing Dog and has written and illustrated Billy and Belle, Eddie’s Garden, Eddie’s Kitchen and the board books, Splash!She misses her grandma and dad is unhappy as he is not allowed to work and earn a living for his family in this country. The book is very emotive and even made me cry, therefore, I'm not sure it would be suitable for younger children. The daughter of a publisher and illustrator, she trained as a typographer at the London College of Printing.

I love how Garland has structured this story, it is set out in a comic strip-like style and I think this makes it really attractive to children. Azzi In Between is an excellent cross-curricular resource that looks at asylum, war, separation and integration and what it is to be a refugee today. Illustrated throughout, this heartfelt story contains so much: a family coping with bereavement, the alienation of moving somewhere new, and what it’s like when you can’t speak the language of the people around you.The story would need to be approached in a sensitive manner, and may need to be explained further, but would be brilliant to use in the classroom. I thought the layout of the book in a 'comic book' manner was a unique element which really complimented the book. She is best known for her warm and witty portrayals of family relationships, and for her outstanding work for preschool picture books.