The Red Suitcase is not my favorite children's read. The book's message is lost within the illustration and little dialogue that is present in the book. I do think you can draw some parallels between the refugee's journey and the alligator's long journey but I don't think the message will stick for young kids. It is an interesting experiment though.

<em>The Red Suitcase</em> by Giles Baum and illustrated by Amandine Piu is a short children's book meant to tackle depicting the various struggles and hardships that accompany the life of a refugee child. Using an adorable green dragon, the story follows him as he flees his now dangerous home and is thrown into the unknown of an entirely new, though safer, home.

The biggest thing to note with the story that this book shows is that the full story of what is going on with this little dragon is actually pretty difficult to pick up on without the context of the book's summary. As someone who does not know or understand what it is like to be a refugee, my hope, in the end, is that the subtle to me themes of the story would be clear to any young child with these experiences. In that sense, a book like this could be helpful in allowing those children to cope with the feelings that come alongside with living through such a traumatic event.

The artwork in this story could not be more perfect, in my opinion. It is both simple and complex where it needs to be, featuring just the right amount of cute and color. In general, I don't think I have enough knowledge to fully determine the degree to which this is a great children's book, though I will say it's probably not something for children who are not refugees unless their parents intend to have an in-depth conversation with them about the subject.

<em>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</em>

Imaginative, yet endearingly sweet. The story of one dragon, his suitcase and going out into the world. Both my fresh 2 year old and 4.5 year old loved this one. The illustrations are adorable.

Cute story and illustrations about a dragon learning to move on and adapt to change when their world changes around them.

The Red Suitcase tells the story of a little dragon that is leaving his home. He has to be brave. He has to be strong, and he has to move forward from the home he is leaving behind.

As I was reading the story, it did not immediately come across to me that this story was an interpretation of an immigrant's journey to a new country. After reading the book jacket, and digging into other reviews, I can see how the simple plot was intending to communicate this message to young children. However, I think it just wasn't quite clear. Readers should not have to rely on the book jacket to put the pieces of a book together, especially children readers.

My favorite part of the story were the simple illustrations. The dragon and the red suitcase were the stars of the story.

In beautifully simplistic language, with emotive illustrations, The Red Suitcase tells the story of a refugee leaving their home, and going on a scary and brave journey to find a new home and form friendships.

To make this topic accessible to picture book readers, Giles has very effectively kept the language simple. Amandine’s illustrations build on these simple words by creating powerful, emotional scenes of the refugee’s journey that draw you in (the crowd scene below was my favourite). Starting with nothing but an empty suitcase under a heavy grey sky… along a scary path, getting lost in the crowd… to a colourful happy place of new friendships and acceptance.

This book works on many levels and one that can be enjoyed by the whole family. For very young readers it is a simple story of a journey and meeting new friends. For those a little older, this book explains in a child-friendly way the challenges refugees face. Reading it as an adult, I found it incredibly moving and Amandine’s illustrations really bring the book to life.

I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

**Link to be updated**

This one is definitely in the contemplative/emotional wellness vein of picture books. A quick read won't make it immediately obvious what the suitcase is meant to represent. A young reader will require gentle leading to the message of the text. THe illustrations are delightful with the detailed dragon and his simple suitcase.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures for The Red Suitcase by Gilles Baum. This is a cute children’s book with illustrations drawn with what looks like a red crayon. The story features a small dragon who with a bit of imagination and a small red suitcase goes on an adventure and then uses the story of that adventure to find a new friend. It has cute and simple graphics and a quick and simple story.

101 uses for a Red Suitcase is the alternate title. Ok, I’m teasing. I loved the illustrations, but completely missed the story. So, I read the blurb and it’s about refugees. Ok, maybe I have enough imagination to get that, maybe.
I do get that our cute little dragon is a courageous fellow

'The Red Suitcase' by Giles Baum with illustrations by Amandine Piu is a picture book about packing up and starting over.

This book follows a young alligator as he packs up from his former home, which is stormy, and moves somewhere else. The journey may be long, and things may be strange in the new place. Courage is needed, but there are also rewards.

I've read that this is about the journey of refugees, but there isn't much to go on besides dark weather in the old place. The illustrations work, and it's a short read. I just think the message that the authors think they are conveying will be lost.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

Unfortunately this book kept crashing and would not open, but thank you for the opportunity any way.

From the book jacket:

"Sometimes you have to be brave.
Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to go somewhere safe.
This is the story of one small dragon's journey to find a new home."


The Red Suitcase, originally published in French, is an allegorical story depicting the struggle of refugees. I must admit from first reading the book I had no idea that was the premise of the story. Once you discover that important element, the story makes perfect sense and you know the intention of the author and the bittersweet message that he is portraying.

The minimal text is simply stated and the main character, a little dragon, drives the point of the story home. Upset and in danger from the condition of his homeland he sets out to escape from the perils and chaos that is swirling around him. He carries just one empty suitcase and determines to seek asylum some place safe... but where?

He sets out on a dangerous journey all alone. He meets many challenges such as: rain storms, blasting heatwaves, rugged terrain to cross, crowded cities to maneuver through, and incessant hunger, just to name a few. Each time his trusty suitcase morphs into an important tool to help carry him on to his safe destination... but where is that destination he wonders? He is searching for some place that is safe, full of joy, and a place to belong. Does such a place actually exist? He wants so much to settle down, make friends and live out his life in peace?

"The Red Suitcase" relates the story in way that young kids can understand. The book will evoke many conversations and discussions I'm sure. The illustrations certainly are beneficial and augment and enrich the text greatly. I love the little dragon character. He is adorable and has great personality and fortitude. I didn't like the fact that some pages were just sketch-like and the suitcase is suspended on the pages with almost no explanation as to what is going on with it. I found it confusing and those pages didn't really move the story along in my opinion. It is however a thought-provoking book that begs answering the question.... what if that is me some day? Storywraps recommends this book.

A simple, yet beautifully illustrated picture book which subtly highlights the plight of refugees.

Whilst the importance of this subject felt somewhat dense and minor, Giles Baum's heavily relied on the power of her illustrations to convey the importance of hope, freedom and acceptance.

With very few words, this is definitely a book that will encourage conversation and discussion.

The story of a little dragon who runs away from a dangerous homeland. The cover pages show the danger the little dragon faces and illustrates the immediacy with which a refugee might leave their home.
The story is simple but effective. The suitcase is key, with the dragon taking it with him wherever he goes. Including to his new school where he is not initially welcomed and accepted by the other dragons.
The story is simple. Almost a set of instructions on how to find a place of safety and the emotions of the dragon are portrayed with simple, clear facial expressions.

I loved the illustrations (though I think the dragon was missing on a couple of pages) and can definitely see myself encouraging children to design their own dragons with watercolour, crayon or felt tip.

I would possibly also use this book with an older class to talk about the things they may collect if one day they had to leave their homes.

As a teacher, it would be vital to know the backgrounds of the children as a discussion about leaving your home for a place of safety might be upsetting for a child who is a refugee.

The Red Suitcase is a gorgeous looking book which tackles some important topics for young children to understand in a subtle and easy way. I like the idea of the dragon being a refugee and the subtlety of it not being forced on the readers but more implied and how we get to see such emotions in the dragon as he is on his journey with only his suitcase.

I like the idea for the look and sound of this book however at least half of the pages were only an outline of the suitcase and so I am guessing these haven't loaded correctly. I would be happy to rewrite this review to be longer and more detailed but currently I'm missing half the book so it wouldn't be right for me to review it as if I'd read it unless the issue could be resolved.

From the book jacket:

"Sometimes you have to be brave

Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to go somewhere safe.

This is the story of one small dragon's journey to find a new home."

I include the above because, once know, it makes sense that this story of a journey is about a refugee. I did not fully realize that when reading the book. As a story about a refugee, it is straight forwardly told and for the youngest children. Through beautiful, simple illustrations young readers/listeners watch asa young dragon with a suitcase goes on a journey and finds a new group and a sense of safety.

The book could also, in my opinion, be a metaphor for journeys that each of us takes. We all have our imaginary suitcases full of what we learned and need and, with them, move on to take greater risks.

Either way, both? Let me know what you think if you read this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto for this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not sure what I just read; it had a nice ending though. The pages that just had parts of this suitcase floating were weird and didn't seem to go with the rest of the story. The dragon, however, was adorable and was just trying to find his place in the world. I think it would have been fantastic, with a few changes, as a wordless picture book. Either way it was heartwarming.
#theredsuitcase #Netgalley

I opened this book and immediately connected with it. Without having any context for the book, I feel in love because the red scribbles describe how we all feel sometimes. Then the idea of taking a suitcase and just going is wonderful. I couldn't wait to finish this book and start it all over again. As an adult, this is a book I will revisit many times and I think children will appreciate their feelings being recognized.

A love.y illustrated book with minimal words, which aims to help explain refugees and looking for a place of safety. The dragon is cute and the message that he finds something that will not fit in the suitcase is great. It is not the easiest of topics to tackle with young children and this will provide a gentle start, with opportunity for further conversations.

Great story for adults and kids a like. Highly recommend! Really great message throughout, definitely one to look for.