Mustafa

Mustafa and his family are immigrants from a war-torn country, and in his new home Mustafa recreates that life through drawings of smoke, fire, loud noises, and broken trees. When Maria, a girl at the park, tries to become friends with him, he is afraid and feels self-conscious, but when Maria draws cheerful, bright drawings over Mustafa’s dark drawings he is drawn to her and they become friends. This Canadian picture book introduces the challenges immigrants face, including being insecure and self-conscious, needing to heal, and learning about a new culture. Suitable for a read-aloud, independent reading, or classroom or school libraries.