On the Move: Poems About Migration

Michael Rosen and Sir Quentin Blake's new collection focuses on migration and displacement, with Rosen's poems exploring his childhood, War, "missing" relatives, and Holocaust, and Blake's poems offering a powerful message of hope.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd

"What you leave behind
Won't leave your mind.
But home is where you find it.

Home is where you find it.

Former Children's Laureates Michael Rosen and Sir Quentin Blake join forces for a landmark new collection, focusing on migration and displacement. Michael's poems are divided into four: in the first series, he draws on his childhood as part of a first-generation Polish family living in London; in the second, on his perception of the War as a young boy; in the third, on his "missing" relatives and the Holocaust; and in the fourth, and final, on global experiences of migration. By turns charming, shocking, and heart-breaking, this is an anthology with a story to tell and a powerful point to make: "You can only do something now."

Michael Rosen's poems in the first series explore his childhood as part of a first-generation Polish family living in London. He reflects on the challenges and joys of growing up in a foreign country, as well as the cultural differences and similarities between his family and the wider community. In "My Father's House," for example, Rosen describes the family's cramped apartment and the sense of belonging it provided, despite the absence of his father, who had left Poland to find work in the UK.

In the second series, Michael focuses on his perception of the War as a young boy. He recalls the fear and confusion of living in London during the Blitz, as well as the bravery and resilience of his family and neighbors. In "The War," for example, Rosen describes the bombing of his school and the loss of his friends, but also the sense of community that emerged in the aftermath of the disaster.

The third series of Michael's poems explores his "missing" relatives and the Holocaust. He reflects on the guilt and shame he feels for not knowing more about his family's history and the sacrifices they made to survive the Holocaust. In "The Missing," for example, Rosen describes the search for his grandfather, who had been taken to a concentration camp, and the emotional toll it took on his family.

The final series of Michael's poems focuses on global experiences of migration. He reflects on the experiences of people who have been forced to leave their homes due to war, poverty, or political oppression. In "The Migrant," for example, Rosen describes the journey of a Syrian refugee, who has been forced to leave her home and travel to Europe in search of safety and a better life.

Throughout the collection, Michael's poems are characterized by their honesty, empathy, and emotional depth. They offer a powerful insight into the experiences of migration and displacement, and remind us of the importance of compassion and understanding in a world that is increasingly divided by borders and differences.

Sir Quentin Blake's illustrations are equally impressive, adding a visual dimension to Michael's words. His paintings and drawings evoke the sense of displacement and isolation that many migrants experience, as well as the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "What you leave behind
Won't leave your mind.
But home is where you find it.

Home is where you find it.

Former Children's Laureates Michael Rosen and Sir Quentin Blake join forces for a landmark new collection, focusing on migration and displacement. Michael's poems are divided into four: in the first series, he draws on his childhood as part of a first-generation Polish family living in London; in the second, on his perception of the War as a young boy; in the third, on his "missing" relatives and the Holocaust; and in the fourth, and final, on global experiences of migration. By turns charming, shocking, and heart-breaking, this is an anthology with a story to tell and a powerful point to make: "You can only do something now."

Michael Rosen's poems in the first series explore his childhood as part of a first-generation Polish family living in London. He reflects on the challenges and joys of growing up in a foreign country, as well as the cultural differences and similarities between his family and the wider community. In "My Father's House," for example, Rosen describes the family's cramped apartment and the sense of belonging it provided, despite the absence of his father, who had left Poland to find work in the UK.

In the second series, Michael focuses on his perception of the War as a young boy. He recalls the fear and confusion of living in London during the Blitz, as well as the bravery and resilience of his family and neighbors. In "The War," for example, Rosen describes the bombing of his school and the loss of his friends, but also the sense of community that emerged in the aftermath of the disaster.

The third series of Michael's poems explores his "missing" relatives and the Holocaust. He reflects on the guilt and shame he feels for not knowing more about his family's history and the sacrifices they made to survive the Holocaust. In "The Missing," for example, Rosen describes the search for his grandfather, who had been taken to a concentration camp, and the emotional toll it took on his family.

The final series of Michael's poems focuses on global experiences of migration. He reflects on the experiences of people who have been forced to leave their homes due to war, poverty, or political oppression. In "The Migrant," for example, Rosen describes the journey of a Syrian refugee, who has been forced to leave her home and travel to Europe in search of safety and a better life.

Throughout the collection, Michael's poems are characterized by their honesty, empathy, and emotional depth. They offer a powerful insight into the experiences of migration and displacement, and remind us of the importance of compassion and understanding in a world that is increasingly divided by borders and differences.

Sir Quentin Blake's illustrations are equally impressive, adding a visual dimension to Michael's words. His paintings and drawings evoke the sense of displacement and isolation that many migrants experience, as well as the beauty and resilience of the human spirit

In conclusion, "What you leave behind
Won't leave your mind.
But home is where you find it.

Home is where you find it.

Former Children's Laureates Michael Rosen and Sir Quentin Blake join forces for a landmark new collection, focusing on migration and displacement. Michael's poems are divided into four: in the first series, he draws on his childhood as part of a first-generation Polish family living in London; in the second, on his perception of the War as a young boy; in the third, on his "missing" relatives and the Holocaust; and in the fourth, and final, on global experiences of migration. By turns charming, shocking, and heart-breaking, this is an anthology with a story to tell and a powerful point to make: "You can only do something now."

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529504361