Coming to England

Author Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Diane Ewen
Narrator Floella Benjamin
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Publish Date 30 September 2021
Run Time 9 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Children’s / Teenage general interest: Biography and autobiography, Children’s / Teenage general interest: History and the past, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Diversity and inclusion, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: First experiences and growing up, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism, Children’s / Teenage social issues: Migration and refugees, Children’s / Teenage: True stories told as fiction, Picture storybooks.

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What to expect

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.

Critics Review

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.

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.

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

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