THE MAP OF ME by Nicola Davies & Olga Shtonda
PAPERBACK
Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Olga Shtonda
THE MAP OF ME is a thoughtful and beautifully illustrated picture book about moving to a new place, holding on to memories and discovering how connections can help us feel at home.
When a young girl moves to a new country, everything around her feels unfamiliar. To help her make sense of the change, her mum suggests drawing a map. Together they sketch the streets of their new neighbourhood, the places she explores and the new friends she meets.
But something important is missing. The girl realises that the map doesn’t include the people and places she still carries in her heart - like Grandma and Joe-Dog from her old home. So she decides to make her map bigger, adding the memories, friendships and experiences that truly shape who she is.
Soon her friends begin creating maps of their own, sharing their stories and discovering that, even when life changes, the connections between people can bring the world closer together. When unexpected challenges arise, the girl learns that understanding where we come from can help us find our way forward.
Warm, reassuring and full of gentle wisdom, this lyrical story celebrates belonging, resilience and the idea that every one of us can help shape a kinder, more connected world.
Why you should treat-your-shelf:
- A comforting story about moving to a new place
- Encourages conversations about identity, belonging and change
- Beautiful illustrations that bring the idea of “mapping” memories to life
- Inspires empathy, community and understanding
The Map of Me is a tender reminder that our lives are made up of many places, people and memories - and that the maps we create together can help guide us through change.