With sensitivity and tenderness, Starkie Mak has captured a tale of the immigrant experience, from the eyes of a child. Masterfully rendered with careful homage paid to the children’s books that have touched the hearts of so many, Mak’s brush strokes and calligraphy evoke the turbulent emotions and difficulties a child must surely experience when having their little world upended, only to have a much larger and foreign world unfold before them.
In a heartbreaking parting, a child says goodbye to her family and is left with her imagination as guide. In search of a new life in a new land, a child retreats into the realm of fantasy. Through the devastating pain of childhood loss emerges the joy of a child’s triumph.
Selected by CBC books as one of the 21 Graphic Novels to read in 2021.
– CBC Books
A tale as heartbreaking and hopeful as childhood itself.
– Shirley Camia, award winning author of ‘Children Shouldn’t Use Knives’
A beautiful and poignant graphic novel. Mak’s ink and brush flows effortlessly from each page, capturing hopefulness and bravery that’s sure to inspire readers.
– Lisa Mendis, creator of ‘Curb Angels’
Mak’s true superpower is how much emotion she pulls from every page using the sparest of line-work.
– Michael Joyal, artist of ‘Stars’
This book was made with the generous support of the Manitoba Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.
