In this stunning multicultural picture book illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medalist Freya Blackwood, a young girl has moved to a new country with her auntie, and misses all she’s ever known. Everything in her new country feels so strange: the animals, the plants–even the wind. To comfort herself, she creates a safe place under her old blanket, which is made out of memories, thoughts, and reminders of home. After meeting a new friend in the park, the girl begins to weave a new blanket–one made of friendship, new words, and a renewed sense of belonging. It’s very different from the old blanket, but it eventually becomes just as warm and familiar–and one to share with her new friend.

An emotional and heart-warming story about two children from diverse backgrounds coming together to become new friends.

Review:

“Loneliness, cultural displacement, tentative friendship, and an explosion of sharing and kindness are accessible even to very young readers.” —Kirkus

“With its bold visual metaphors, “My Two Blankets” ingeniously captures a child’s efforts to weave the old with the new.” – New York Times Book Review

“The blanket metaphor is powerful, and the way that sounds are depicted through shape and line works well.” – School Library Journal

“The illustrations, a combination of watercolour and oils, heighten the effect of the thought-provoking story. Just the right format for children to think about immigrants and friendship.” – Booklist

Award

• Winner of the 2015 Children’s Book Council Award for Picture Books.

Author Bio:

Irena Kobold has been a teacher and writer in the Northern Territory. She has a Master’s degree in Russian.

Illustrator Bio:

Freya Blackwood is a multi-award winning illustrator and a rising star in the Australian and international children’s book scene.