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Until You Find the Sun

A Story About Discovering Home Wherever You Go

Illustrated by Anna Wilson
Published by Crocodile Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

LIST PRICE $18.95

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About The Book

An uplifting story about coping with change and finding your way in a new and unfamiliar place, by debut author Maryam Hassan, beautifully brought to life with illustrations by Anna Wilson.

Aminah's life is full of warmth and joy, from days spent in the golden sunshine eating juicy mangoes, to evenings curled up reading adventure stories with her grandfather, Da.

But one day, Aminah is told she'll be leaving with her parents for their very own adventure, one that will take her away from Da and the sunny comforts of the life she's known . . .

Written by debut author Maryam Hassan, illustrated by Anna Wilson.

About The Author

Maryam Hassan is a photographer, painter, teacher and debut author from London. A first-generation child of Pakistani immigrants, Maryam never felt Pakistani or English and had to find the balance of being both of these things and something entirely new all at once. Watching immigrant children come into her classes, she realized they also had stories and experiences that hadn't been told. Maryam decided she wanted to write stories for them. She is a strong believer in the idea of a global citizen—we are all connected in this world and we should learn about everyone around us.

About The Illustrator

Anna Wilson was born in Australia's Snowy Mountains, spent her childhood moving houses and schools, and then spent most of her adult life traveling the world. She is inspired by people and places and studied and worked with these concepts for a long time before embarking on a new career as a freelance designer and illustrator. She loves storms and snow and is happiest running in the mountains, drawing in the streets of new cities, or imagining up new characters and worlds.

Product Details

Raves and Reviews

"With the support of a grandparent, a child comes to grips with a new adventure in this emotionally aware authorial debut. South Asian–cued Aminah loves hearing her Da’s “stories of adventurers,” but after it’s announced that Aminah’s family is moving, she learns that Da will not be coming. When the family’s destination proves gray and cold (“This is no adventure,” Aminah sighs), regular phone calls with Da provide strengthening optimism: “I am always with you. I will light your way until you find the sun again.” The acquisition of a sunny coat whose yellow is reminiscent of home proves to be a mood-shifting turning point that leads to friendship, and sees Aminah sharing her own adventuresome tales with Da. Saturated hues lend Wilson’s scenes a vibrancy that’s mellowed by soft-edged figures and objects, while Hassan’s bright story highlights the enduring power of intergenerational love. Ages up to 5."

– —Publishers Weekly

“With the support of a grandparent, a child comes to grips with a new adventure in this emotionally aware authorial debut … Saturated hues lend Wilson’s scenes a vibrancy that’s mellowed by soft-edged figures and objects, while Hassan’s bright story highlights the enduring power of intergenerational love.”

– — Publishers Weekly

“Rich tones color the illustrations, which are beautifully used to mirror the feelings in the story. Yellow is used thoughtfully throughout the pages to reflect the feelings of internal warmth and happiness. This story would be an especially supportive read for children adjusting to somewhere new. It serves as a reminder that even if change is not easy at first, we will settle in and find our sense of belonging and joy in whatever adventure life sets us on.”

– — Children’s Literature

“Debut author Maryam Hassan writes in a realistic, reassuring way about displacement in Until You Find the Sun, a story that will appeal to a wide audience of young readers … Anna Wilson’s buoyant art energizes every page … Until You Find the Sun is a joyful book that celebrates new adventures while acknowledging the challenges that transition may bring. It’s also a reminder of the powerful bond between grandparent and child.”

– — BookPage

"A book certain to spread sunshine on every shelf."

– –School Library Journal

“The cozy art, in vibrant yellows and blues, cheerfully conjures the contrasting locales, while Da’s kind face will shine like a beacon to children missing grandparents.”

– — New York Times

“A book certain to spread sunshine on every shelf, and recommended for purchase for picture book collections.”

– — School Library Journal

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