Suri's Wall

About the Book

Suri's Wall by Lucy Estela, illustrated by Matt Ottley, is a moving picture book about isolation, imagination, friendship and hope. Suri lives with other children behind a high wall. Because she is taller than the other children, she feels different and isolated from them.

One day, Suri grows tall enough to see over the wall. When the other children ask what lies beyond it, she begins describing a beautiful world filled with colour, nature and wonderful possibilities. Her imaginative stories gradually change the way the children see her and the world around them.

A Story About Hope and Imagination

Suri's Wall explores how imagination and storytelling can offer comfort during difficult circumstances. The story also introduces themes of friendship, empathy, resilience and the desire for freedom.

Matt Ottley's illustrations play an important role in the book, contrasting the enclosed world behind the wall with the vibrant landscapes Suri imagines beyond it.

Who Is It For?

This picture book is suitable for older primary-school readers and can also support classroom discussions about friendship, refugees, conflict, isolation, empathy, resilience and hope.

Key Features

Children's picture book; story about hope and resilience; themes of friendship and empathy; imagination and storytelling; conflict and displacement; richly illustrated artwork by Matt Ottley; suitable for older primary readers.

Product Details

Author: Lucy Estela; Illustrator: Matt Ottley; Title: Suri's Wall; Publisher: Penguin Australia / Picture Puffin; ISBN: 9780143505969; Format: Paperback; Pages: 32; Publication Date: 2 January 2018; Language: English; Recommended Audience: Older Primary and Junior Secondary.

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