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A powerful, dense picture book about the friendship in between a refugee and a suburb child. And the things that brought them together.
The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is a cautionary tale of the ultimate friendship. It is a heartbreaking story of two boys, a refugee, and a child from a wealthy suburb. Gabriel lives with his father in a large house surrounded by other large houses. One day, while exploring the beach, Gabriel meets Jibreel. Jibreel lives with his father in the upside-down boat that brought them across the sea. With similar stories of devastating loss, yet joyful dreams and a love for flying, the boys form an incredible and indestructible friendship. This is a heartbreaking story – a children’s picture book with a powerful message that is worth hearing.
This is a dense, heartbreaking book with a very powerful message. The tale about two boys, with different backgrounds, but similar losses and dreams, that became friends. They shared hopes, passions and supporter each other.
Gabriel lived with his dad on a big house in a fancy neighbourhood. His mom passed away the night he was born. He is mostly on his own, reading and playing video games. His dad doesn't play with him, but takes him to the beach every Sunday. And was at the beach that he met Jibreel.
Jibreel lived with his dad on an upside-down boat. The same boat they used to cross the see. He was alone most of his time as he lost her mom when they were crossing (she drowned) and his dad worked seven days a week to support them.
The friendship grew stronger fast and the boys enjoyed each other company. They played, made plans for the future and started a new project together, based on a passion and dream they had in common. Unfortunately, they will also be together to face hate, judgment and violence.
Only a few times I read a children's picture book like this. It's a really good one, but also a dramatic, deep and with a sad story. From the characters names' choice (Gabriel is the message of God for Christians and Jibreel, is the chosen one to communicate Allah's messages to His profits according to Islamic faith), to the symbolisms used by the author, it's a beautiful work. It's also a great tool to discuss how aggression, blind hate and prejudice can affect all of us and the consequences are never positive.
Illustrations are artistic and beautiful. They enhance the words and complement them. You can feel the characters. Breathtaking and pungent.
A great addition to personal libraries and to schools and definitely a conversation starter. Group readings can benefit. The book certainly tackles important subjects that we sometimes avoid talking about with children... and we shouldn't.
Recommended for ten eight years old (mature) and up.
Reviewed by
I’m a mother, teacher and book lover/advocate. My goal with the Book Bug platform is to increase interest in reading, especially picture books, and assist parents and teachers. Also to provide resources, story telling, book reviews and advice. Above all, I want to connect our bookworm community.
Synopsis
The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is a cautionary tale of the ultimate friendship. It is a heartbreaking story of two boys, a refugee, and a child from a wealthy suburb. Gabriel lives with his father in a large house surrounded by other large houses. One day, while exploring the beach, Gabriel meets Jibreel. Jibreel lives with his father in the upside-down boat that brought them across the sea. With similar stories of devastating loss, yet joyful dreams and a love for flying, the boys form an incredible and indestructible friendship. This is a heartbreaking story – a children’s picture book with a powerful message that is worth hearing.
About the author
Marin is proud to be a self-published author. He writes the books, illustrates the stories, designs the titles, and publishes the volumes. He even creates new fonts for his publications to make them one-of-a-kind. He started his small publishing house FONTREAL (children’s picture books) in 2016. view profile
Published on November 15, 2020
0-1000 words
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
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