The Suitcase

When a strange animal arrives one day pulling a large suitcase, after travelling for a long time, the other animals are intrigued. What does he have in there? Can he really have a teacup and a table and chairs and a cabin on a hillside inside this suitcase? Impossible! But when they break it open to find out exactly what is in there, they begin to understand what this animal has been through.

This is a deceptively simple picture book that resonates for a long time after reading it. It is a profound lesson in empathy and kindness. The succinct text and uncluttered artwork convey all the emotion needed.

Chris Naylor-Ballesteros uses the direction of a pair of eyes and the bowing of a head to great effect. The clever use of a sepia tint for the pages that show the animal's memories contrast perfectly with the stark white pages of the present, giving emphasis to the richness of the life left behind.

This original and powerful picture book would be perfect for sharing with a class to invite discussion about friendship and kindness – from Year 1 upwards.