Pajama Press

For young Ali, a former refugee from Afghanistan, “home” is where his family is together.

Although his family is safe in their new country, Ali finds himself wishing he could go back to Afghanistan. A day spent picking blackberries with Nana reminds him of their old house with the mulberry tree he loved, and the day the soldiers came. He recalls their nighttime flight and the crowded buses and airplane that took him to this beautiful but unfamiliar place. When Ali and Nana spot a bluebird, she tells him to make a wish. Ali wishes to go home, but, as he comes to learn, home is not a place. Home is the love his family has for each other.

In If You See a Bluebird, Bahram Rahman, author of ALA Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book A Sky-Blue Bench, reflects on the experience of former refugees as they learn to adapt and embrace a new country and a new home. Award-winning illustrator Gabrielle Grimard incorporates rich and varied colour palettes to capture Ali’s two worlds.

A story of family togetherness that redefines the meaning of home.

Awards and Honours:

49^th Shelf Fall 2023 “Most Anticipated Books for Young Readers” Selection

CBC Books “45 Picture Books to Check Out This Fall 2023” Selection

Reviews: 

“The story thrums with the sadness of places left behind and the danger that forces people to leave….The vivid illustrations demarcate the past and present by contrasting the bright blue skies and rolling green plains of Ali’s new home with the rustic terracotta hues of his homeland. A sweetly sentimental story that places people at the heart of a home.”—Kirkus 

“This book comes with a bit of a pedigree…Bahram is, himself, from Afghanistan and his books take their inspiration from that land.”—School Library Journal, Fuse 8

“This is another great title…by award winning author of The Library Bus and A Sky-Blue Bench. Inspiring!”—Dr. Larry Recommends