Coming to England
An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation
Published on 8. October 2020
Book
Hardback
32 pages
978-1-5290-0941-5 (ISBN)
Description
A story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is the inspiring true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin: from Trinidad, to London as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords.
Follow ten-year-old Floella as she and her family set sail from the Caribbean to a new life in London. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn't at all what Floella had expected . . . What will her new school be like? Will she meet the Queen?
Filled with optimism and joy, yet deeply personal and relevant, young children will follow Floella's experiences of moving home and making friends. Alongside vibrant illustrations by Diane Ewen, this powerful story shows little people how courage and determination can always overcome adversity.
Follow ten-year-old Floella as she and her family set sail from the Caribbean to a new life in London. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn't at all what Floella had expected . . . What will her new school be like? Will she meet the Queen?
Filled with optimism and joy, yet deeply personal and relevant, young children will follow Floella's experiences of moving home and making friends. Alongside vibrant illustrations by Diane Ewen, this powerful story shows little people how courage and determination can always overcome adversity.
Reviews / Votes
Baroness Benjamin charts her own journey to England as part of the Windrush generation in this gorgeously illustrated book about how courage and determination can triumph over adversity * Red * The book is a mix of colourful illustrations and a deeply personal account of a 10-year-old Floella adjusting to her new home in a not-so-friendly Britain. It's a charming book that deftly moves through a myriad of emotions, tackling important topics but crafted so even the youngest readers can understand and enjoy the tale. -- Amy Sedghi * Evening Standard * Coming to England leaps off the page full of hope and personality, much like Benjamin herself. The scenes of home life are particularly moving and capture the atmosphere of family warmth, connection and just a little bit of chaos. -- Imogen Carter * The Observer * Vibrant illustrations evoke the landscape and semi tropical climate of Trinidad beginning with the wonderful end papers and they add warmth and colour throughout the book. This picture book provides an insight into the experience of the Windrush generation showing the ups and downs of immigration and trying to forge a new life... there is a message of hope and optimism as Floella gradually makes friends, her family fits in and through her achievements she eventually realises her early ambition to meet the Queen. * Books for Keeps * With the stunning illustrations from Diane Ewen, they bring vibrancy and the book comes alive. The pairing is perfect with their color and simplicity for children. The story is personal and poignant to our history today and relevant. It is a great story to tell and use with children today to inspire and to show aspirations and motivation with a younger audience. There aren't enough stories out there like this one to show a younger audience and I am really looking forward to sharing this. My own criticism is that it wasn't longer - I wanted to know more and ask lots of questions! * ReadingZone * All the illustrations are exquisite, authentically drawn with outstanding care and meticulous attention to detail. From the variation in brown skin tones and hairstyles to the '60s period features, every page spread is an absolute joy to behold! -- Candid Cocoa Diane Ewen's illustrations expertly bring this true story to life, the family, the surroundings and the emotions are portrayed in picture perfect detail. The pages are an explosion of color and character. This book will be coming to live in my classroom so that Dame Floella's story can be shared and talked about with as many little people as possible! * My Book Corner * Floella and Diane have told this real-life experience with vibrant energy, using relatable emotions for children. From the excitement of meeting the queen, to disappointments, surprises and also friendship and living out your dreams. This is a book that I hope schools and guardians will view as a book that all children, from all backgrounds, can read and enjoy ALL YEAR ROUND -- Picture Book Perfect This candid autobiography is told through simple language and Diane Ewen's amazing illustrations. Floella talks about how she felt at each stage of the transition to England and the hopes and dreams that she brought with her. Her story is positive, optimistic and the family's love and support for each other shines through. The illustrations are colorful and vibrant, exactly how I remember Floella when I watched her on children's television. We love the pictures of the children making mischief on the boat and the family pillow fight, they both exude love and togetherness. It's fascinating to read Floella's story, hers was just one of the families that responded to a newspaper advert inviting them to England. The story led us to read more about the Windrush generation and provides a great stimulus for talking about a significant period in UK post war history -- Story SnugMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 3 to 6 years
Dimensions
Height: 288 mm
Width: 259 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
432 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5290-0941-5 (9781529009415)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Floella Benjamin was born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad in 1949, and came to England in 1960 as part of the Windrush generation. She has enjoyed a successful career as a children's presenter, best known for the iconic BBC TV programmes Play School and Play Away, and has also worked as an actress, writer, producer, working peer and an active advocate for the welfare and education of children. Her broadcasting work has been recognized with a Special Lifetime Achievement BAFTA and an OBE. She was appointed a Baroness in the House of Lords in 2010 and a Dame in the 2020 New Year Honours list, and is the Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee.
Diane Ewen was born in Walsall, in the West Midlands. She has always loved art, and graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a B.A. Honours Degree in Illustration. Diane likes to create illustrations that are hand-drawn in pencil, which she paints in watercolour and acrylics before embellishing them using Photoshop, but she also enjoys working directly on the computer screen to create her characters and designs. Diane loves the fact that the artwork is often the first thing that draws children into a book, and is inspired by the use of vibrant colour, so illustrating the Caribbean scenes of Floella's childhood was hugely enjoyable for her.
Diane Ewen was born in Walsall, in the West Midlands. She has always loved art, and graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a B.A. Honours Degree in Illustration. Diane likes to create illustrations that are hand-drawn in pencil, which she paints in watercolour and acrylics before embellishing them using Photoshop, but she also enjoys working directly on the computer screen to create her characters and designs. Diane loves the fact that the artwork is often the first thing that draws children into a book, and is inspired by the use of vibrant colour, so illustrating the Caribbean scenes of Floella's childhood was hugely enjoyable for her.