Suitcase

The Suitcase is a picture book about kindness to strangers, shortlisted for the 2020 Oscar s Book Prize and the 2020 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal. It tells the story of a strange-looking animal arriving with a suitcase, and the other animals discovering a special photograph inside. The book explores themes of displacement and difference in a way that young audiences can easily engage with, and is a powerful lesson in empathy for outsiders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: Nosy Crow Ltd

Shortlisted for the 2020 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, this beautifully illustrated and wise, gentle tale of tolerance and kindness for fellow humans resonates deeply at a time when over 65 million people are forcibly displaced around the world. Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner," praises The Suitcase as a simple, powerful way to introduce the idea of kindness to strangers to young children. Axel Scheffler, illustrator of "The Gruffalo," describes it as a beautifully illustrated book that explores themes of displacement and difference in a way young audiences can easily engage with.

Laura Padoan, UNHCR, The UN Refugee Agency, emphasizes the importance of this book in the face of the record number of people forced from their homes due to war and persecution. She describes it as one of the most empathetic children's books on giving kindness to strangers ever published. Amanda Craig, New Statesman, warns that this book will make you burst into tears.

Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times, praises The Suitcase as a beautifully succinct and powerful lesson in empathy for outsiders. Cathy Rentzenbrink describes it as a beautiful picture book about kindness to strangers and not knowing what other people's stories are.

The story begins when a strange-looking animal arrives pulling a big suitcase. The other animals are curious and wonder what could be inside that suitcase. A teacup? Maybe. A table and chair? Perhaps. A whole home and hillside with trees? This.

As the animal opens the suitcase, the other animals are amazed to see a variety of objects and creatures inside. There are teacups, tables, chairs, and even a small house. The animals are surprised and curious, but they are also filled with kindness and curiosity.

They take turns exploring the suitcase and playing with the objects inside. They learn that the strange-looking animal is not a threat, but rather a friend who has brought them a gift. The animals realize that they have been closed-minded and judgmental towards the strange-looking animal, and they apologize for their behavior.

Through the story, the animals learn the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding. They realize that everyone has a story and that it is important to be open-minded and accepting of others. The Suitcase teaches children that it is never too late to learn and grow, and that kindness can make a big difference in the world.

The illustrations in The Suitcase are beautiful and vibrant, bringing the story to life. Axel Scheffler's illustrations are detailed and colorful, and they add to the sense of wonder and curiosity that the animals feel as they explore the suitcase.

The Suitcase is a powerful and important book that teaches children the importance of kindness, empathy, and understanding. It is a simple, yet powerful way to introduce the idea of kindness to strangers to young children, and it is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world. I hope all parents share The Suitcase with their children, and I encourage you to read it yourself and share it with your loved ones.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 272 x 270 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788004480