Saving Stella

August 15, 2020
In this book, based on a real-life story, Bassel, a young Syrian man, becomes a refugee because of war and escapes his city for Europe, leaving his beloved dog, Stella, behind. When gunfire wakes Bassel and Stella up at night, he tells her it is OK but knows that's not true. Soon, living in his war-torn country is no longer safe, and, like millions of others, he must leave. Saying goodbye to family, friends, and Stella, he makes the arduous journey to Europe--on foot and by rubber dinghy, spending months confined in a refugee camp. A Belgian family opens their arms to him, and his host and friends from back home help him reunite with Stella. The dog's journey will not be easy either, but the story ends on a happy and hopeful note. Both she and Bassel will have two lives now, one "lost" and a new one "found." Expressive, softly stylized illustrations pay great attention to Bassel's and Stella's emotions throughout the book, and notes by the Syrian co-author and illustrator share details about their lives and the war. An afterword sheds more light on refugees around the world and includes a call to action to support them. It also provides further information about the Syrian conflict but unfortunately contains significant errors: saying that Turkey supports Assad and calling the Kurds (Syria's largest ethnic minority) a rebel group; moreover it frames the conflict as one waged against Assad by rebel groups with different agendas and elides the role of civilian resistance to an authoritarian government. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 38.7% of actual size.) An unusual refugee story that may open doors for empathy. (Picture book. 5-11)

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October 1, 2020

Gr 3-5-This picture book, centering on cellist Bassel and his dog Stella, depicts a harrowing journey disguised as a sweet animal survivor story. When war came to Bassel and Stella's town of Damascus, Syria, Bassel made the difficult decision to leave. He couldn't take Stella with him, so he decided to leave her behind. He crossed the Mediterranean Sea in a rubber dinghy with other refugees. Once he reached land, he was held in a refugee camp. Two months later, he left and found safety in Belgium. Bassel worked with friends to bring Stella to him. Stella's journey was just as distressing as Bassel's, but with the help of many generous people, she traveled to Belgium and was reunited with her owner. The picture book format makes the narrative accessible for younger readers, while the note from Bassel and background information about Syria enhance the knowledge of older readers. Kaadan's soft illustrations do not shy away from the harsh reality of life in Syria or the pair's journey. However, the illustrations are not graphic or violent; they are mostly childlike and bright. Kaadan, who was born in France, lived in Syria until she was 27. In an illustrator's note, she shares how the destruction of Damascus led to the darker aspects of her art. VERDICT A good introduction to weightier topics such as refugees or the Syrian civil war.-V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elem. Sch., Raleigh, NC

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 23, 2020
Grades K-2 In this true, gritty story, which teaches children about the Syrian war and the plight of refugees, the subtitle is key. What a relief to know that Bassel's dog, fluffy and white Stella, is going to escape! Coauthor Abou Fakher, introduced in the text as a young musician needing to leave his war-torn country, makes a dangerous trip deemed too hard for the beloved Stella. Once settled in Belgium, though, Bassel looks for a way to reunite with his pet and, along with his sponsor, hatches a plan. Soon Stella is riding across dangerous roads in a taxi, crossing a border, and being flown to her reunion. Echoing both journeys, Kaadan's pictures start out fractured, featuring dark gray-blues, which become almost slate in the refugee camp where Bassel feels like a prisoner. In Belgium, the blues brighten, and the last spread of Bassel and Stella playing features green trees and bright tulips. Delightfully, a photo of the real Bassel and Stella is included in the author's note, and back matter provides more information.

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