From Far Away (Classic Munsch) [Paperback]

Robert N. Munsch (Author), Saoussan Askar (Author), Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1995 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Classic Munsch

Based on a true story, Saoussan and her family flee a war-torn Lebanon, where bombs and gunshots were part of a daily life. Now safe in her new country, Saoussan starts school. But not knowing any English made the simplest things difficult: to go to the washroom, Saoussan would crawl to the door when the teacher's head was turned and wait until someone opened it. Saoussan must adapt to a new culture in a much safer world.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1?A well-intentioned but ultimately unsuccessful book. Six-year-old Askar and her family left war-torn Beirut to join her father in Canada. The child's adjustment to North American life is summed up by her being frightened by a Halloween skeleton and peeing on her teacher's lap. While this probably is what a seven-year old girl would most remember looking back at her experience, it leaves readers hungry for more. There is such a quick resolution (all is well) that youngsters never have the chance to comprehend the trauma of living in a war zone or the alienation and fear the little girl must have felt in her new environment. The watercolor illustrations are full of well-groomed multicultural people and a teacher who looks like Princess Diana. An admirable effort by the child co-author, but a rather half-baked story from Munsch.?Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 6^-9. Saoussan, a little girl living in a war-torn city, moves to Canada with her family. At first, school is difficult: she speaks no English, she can't understand her teacher, she can't even ask to use the bathroom. At Halloween, the image of a skeleton terrifies her--is war coming here, too? Little by little, Saoussan becomes comfortable in her new school and even decides to change her name to Susan but finds her mother obstinate on that point. Written from the child's view, this autobiographical story resulted from a collaboration between Munsch and Askar, a child who left Beirut for North America at age five and later wrote to Munsch of her experience. Bright watercolor artwork illustrates this picture book, which takes on a difficult theme and communicates it effectively on a child's level. A good choice for classes discussing the immigrant experience. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Annick Press (July 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155037396X
• ISBN-13: 978-1550373967
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #346,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( M ) > Martchenko, Michael

More About the Author

Robert Munsch is the author of more than 25 books for children including The Paper Bag Princes and Stephanie's Ponytail. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and studied to be a Jesuit priest before deciding to work with children instead. He taught in a variety of nursery schools and daycare centers while he earned an MA in Early Childhood Education. In 1975, Munsch and his wife, Ann, moved to Guelph, Ontario. The Munschs have three children: Julie, Andrew, and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly touching!, March 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: From Far Away (Classic Munsch) (Paperback)

I am a teacher in a daycare and I work with children who come from different backgrounds and cultures all over the world. I have probably read this book fifty times and it still makes me cry. The kids think I'm nuts

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars From far away was a very good book., July 11, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: From Far Away (Classic Munsch) (Paperback)

I think this is a good book because it reminds me of my parents because they moved too. My favorite part was when Saoussan thought the skeleton made the teacher crazy. The funniest part I thought was the skeleton. My favorite character is Saoussan because she gets scared of everything. I thought the illustrations were great because I can't draw that well. I think people over the age of 4 should read this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Book, July 11, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: From Far Away (Classic Munsch) (Paperback)

From far away is a amazing for little children!This book is very interesting! Saoussan is a character with a great sense of humor in the story. I'll give you a hint, whenever Robert Munsch writes a book there is a surprise at the end. My favorite part in the story was when Saoussan learned how to speak English. I know that every person that reads this book is going to enjoy it!