Ayah and the Big World Outside

Ayah dreams of being free.In this moving picture book, Ayah, who has always lived in a refugee camp, is trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. When she falls asleep and dreams of a swallow who shows her there are places without fences, and without war, she realizes she wants to be free like him.

Today is baking day.

Once a week Ayah and her mother get to use the tandoor oven at their refugee camp. While they bake, Ayah talks about her teacher asking the class what they want to be when they grow up. Her mother wonders if Ayah wants to be an engineer or a singer...but Ayah has never met anyone like that.

While getting some fresh air, Ayah rests her eyes until a swallow says hello. "Please can I have some bread?" it asks. Ayah shares her snack, and the swallow tells her about its travels. Ayah has never seen the world outside the fence—she thought it was all dangerous. The sparrow explains that there are many places without war, and he invites her to climb on his back to fly with him and see the world for herself. Together they soar over fields and mountains and busy cities, and when Ayah returns, she can dream of a future where she'll be free.

Available in French as Ayah et le vaste monde.