New Canadians Centre in Peterborough has published a new children’s picture book that shares the experiences of immigrant children when they arrive in Canada.
Written and illustrated by Peterborough artist Casandra Lee (herself a recent immigrant), Building A Home was inspired by the stories and artwork of six children originally from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Pakistan who now call Nogojiwanong-Peterborough home.
New Canadians Centre commissioned Lee to create the book after Bhisham Ramoutar, the non-profit organization’s communications and community engagement specialist, had the idea of documenting the stories of newcomer children experiencing firsts in Canada — including learning English, going to school, visiting large supermarkets, experiencing winter and snow, eating pizza, and more.
“We were inspired to put the spotlight on the voices of our youngest new residents,” Bhisham says in a media release. “Our hope is that this will pave the way for conversations in homes, classrooms, between friends, families, and neighbours to reflect on our own experiences and consider our role in helping those who are new to Canada to thrive and belong.”
Casandra Lee is an Asian-American children’s author who moved to Canada in 2019 and now lives in Peterborough where she teaches at a Montessori school.
She has already published a children’s book called The Sun Dance and is collaborating with Bangkok author C Y Gopinath on a book called The Bells of Casiopia.
“Finding a place to call home can be a long, difficult journey,” Lee says. “It is a privilege to have a safe place to live with joy. The real stars of this book are the children. They always inspired me with their strength, resilience, and joy. I am so honoured to help share their stories in this book.”
With the support of the United Way of Peterborough & District’s David Goyette and Victoria Pearce Arts Fund and donors, Building A Home is available to read for free online on the New Canadian Centre’s website at nccpeterborough.ca/buildingahome/.
The book is available in seven languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, Korean, and Spanish. You can read the English version below.
Orders for printed copies of the book in any language can also be submitted on the New Canadian Centre’s website at at nccpeterborough.ca/buildingahome/.
Up to 400 printed copies will be available for free, with a limit of one copy per family or organization in Peterborough and Northumberland counties. Printed copies can be picked up at the New Canadian Centre’s offices in Peterborough and Cobourg (shipping is not available).
New Canadians Centre is also offering live in-person or virtual readings of Building A Home at schools or events. Readings will be done by New Canadians Centre staff, Casandra, or other newcomers associated with the New Canadians Centre, depending on the timing of the reading. For more information or to book a reading, email Bhisham at bhisham@nccpeterborough.ca.
For more information about Casandra Lee, visit casandralee.com.
INTERACTIVE: “Building A Home”
