The critically acclaimed, uplifting story about finding your way in a new and unfamiliar place, and a reminder to others to be kind, patient and welcoming to those finding their feet.

Aminah’s life is full of warmth and joy, from days spent in the golden sunshine eating juicy mangoes, to evenings curled up reading adventure stories with her grandfather, Da.

But one day, Aminah’s told she’ll be leaving with her parents for their very own adventure, one that will take her away from Da and the sunny comforts of the life she’s known.

Though change can be scary and her new home is much colder, Aminah soon begins to realise that no matter how far she is from Da, she’ll always be able to feel his warmth in her heart . . .

The perfect story to encourage conversations about coping with change and finding ways to stay connected to the ones we love, no matter the distance. Written by debut author Maryam Hassan, with stunning illustrations by Anna Wilson.

Reviews

A positive story of family love, reassuring those facing changes

Creative Steps magazine

A touching depiction of long-distance family love.

Juno Magazine

This warm-hearted KS1 picture book is packed with realistic details and has much to say about coping with change and staying connected.

Teach Primary Book Club

Charming and colourful illustrations

Teach Primary Book Club

Da's kind face will shine like a beacon to children missing grandparents

The New York Times

A bright, empathetic picture book about adapting to change and maintaining connections with loved ones far away.

Guardian

A joyful book that celebrates new adventures while acknowledging the challenges that transition may bring. It's also a reminder of the powerful bond between grandparent and child.

BookPage

Maryam Hassan

Maryam Hassan is a photographer, painter, teacher and debut author from London. A first-generation child of Pakistani immigrants, Maryam grew up with a culture clash. She never felt Pakistani or English and had to find the balance of being both these things and something entirely new all at once. Watching immigrant children come into her classes, she realised they too had stories and experiences that hadn’t been told. Maryam decided she wanted to write stories for them. She is a strong believer in the idea of a global citizen – we are all connected in this world and we should learn about everyone around us.

Anna Wilson

Anna was born in Australia’s Snowy Mountains, spent her childhood moving houses and schools, and then spent most of her adult life travelling the world. She is inspired by people and places and studied and worked with these concepts for a long time before embarking on a new career as a freelance designer and illustrator. She loves storms and snow and is happiest running in the mountains, drawing in the streets of new cities, or imagining up new characters and worlds.