How often do we watch or read the news and see the plight of refugees? It is hard to grasp the suffering they experience due to reasons beyond their control. It is amazing to see the resilience, resourcefulness, and hope that these refugees have. How can we help our children become aware of the needs of others and help them develop compassion? I’d like to share a book today, based on a true story, which can help to begin such a conversation.

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WHEN WATER MAKES MUD: A Story of Refugee Children
By Janie Reinart (author) and Morgan Taylor (illustrator)
Blue Whale Press: 2021
Picture book ages 4-9
Setting: Bidibidi Refugee Camp in Uganda
Themes: Refugee children, toys, hope

The story begins…

     We come,

           little sister and me,

                 with nothing…

                       but our dreams.

Two sisters have escaped war in their South Sudan homeland and  live in a refugee camp in Uganda. They have nothing but the clothes on their backs. The older sister see’s her younger sister’s sadness and wants to bring back her smile. She does this by creating something from nothing with found objects such as a stick, a pebble, a bag and cardboard. But none of these things last until she creates a doll from mud. Together the sisters create more toys as they dream of their future.

Why you need to add WHEN WATER MAKES MUD: A Story of Refugee Children to your book shelves:

• This book depicts a difficult situation with beauty and grace. The children are portrayed with dignity and their creative ingenuity is celebrated. Resilience is shown in the midst of hardship.
• Causes of people fleeing their homelands is a difficult subject for children to understand. In this thoughtful picture book, children can see how others live and the hope that sustains them. They will also see how all children like to play and that it is possible to be creative in the midst of difficult situations.
• Janie Reinart’s lyrical text flows through each page creating a poem that is perfect to read aloud. She uses wonderful examples of similes and luscious language as in “A chuckle catapults from my sister like a grasshopper.
• The stunning art was well researched by illustrator Morgan Taylor. The vibrant colors and expressions of the children convey deep emotions from sorrow to joy.
• There are so many ways that this book can be shared with students. Challenge them to create a toy from found objects. Perhaps you can discuss ways to help those less fortunate.

I highly recommend this book for teachers, homeschool groups, parents, grandparents, and church libraries. I would love to hear your thoughts after sharing this picture book with your children.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

To see the toys created by children of the Bidibidi Refugee Camp  like those featured in WHEN WATER MAKES MUD: A Story of Refugee Children take a look at this National Geographic photo-essay

Click here to read Janie’s interview with Morgan and learn about the book’s illustration process.

Visit Janie Reinart’s website Visit Morgan Taylor’s website

For a fun art activity, try this recipe for Mud Paint. You will  need to pour in the water a little at a time until you get the right consistency.  Paint on thick paper or cardstock.

posted by Claire Annette Noland

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