A timely and timeless picture book about immigration that demonstrates
the power of diversity, acceptance, and tolerance from a gifted
storyteller.
An ALSC Notable Children's Book of 2021
A Kirkus Best Books of 2020
A School Library Journal Best Books of 2020
Winner of the 2021 Ohioana Book Award
An Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award, 2022
"An engaging, beautiful, and memorable book." --Kirkus Reviews,
starred review
"Lush illustrations and a strong message of hope and perseverance make
this a standout title." --School Library Journal, starred review
When I first came to this country, I felt so alone.
A young immigrant girl joins her aunt and uncle in a new country that is
unfamiliar to her. She struggles with loneliness, with a fierce longing
for the culture and familiarity of home, until one day, her aunt takes
her on a walk. As the duo strolls through their city park, the girl's
aunt begins to tell her an old myth, and a story within the story
begins.
A long time ago, a group of refugees arrived on a foreign shore. The
local king met them, determined to refuse their request for refuge. But
there was a language barrier, so the king filled a glass with milk and
pointed to it as a way of saying that the land was full and couldn't
accommodate the strangers. Then, the leader of the refugees dissolved
sugar in the glass of milk. His message was clear: Like sugar in milk,
our presence in your country will sweeten your lives. The king embraced
the refugee, welcoming him and his people. The folktale depicted in this
book was a part of author Thrity Umrigar's Zoroastrian upbringing as a
Parsi child in India, but resonates for children of all backgrounds,
especially those coming to a new homeland.
