Helping Children Navigate Change, Complex Emotions, and Build Resilience in If You See a Bluebird by Bahram Rahman

Books that explore complex themes of change, resilience, and the meaning of home provide a wonderful opportunity to start meaningful conversations with young readers. Nominated for the 2025 Blue Spruce Award (Kindergarten to Grade 2 category) by the Forest of Reading, If You See a Bluebird by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, published by Pajama Press, follows Ali, a young boy who, despite finding safety in his new home, still longs for the Afghanistan he left behind. A day spent with his Nana brings memories of their old house, and a magical encounter with a bluebird helps Ali realize that home isn’t a place—it’s the love shared by his family. This touching story invites important conversations about emotional growth, loss, and resilience. Keep reading for an exclusive interview with Bahram Rahman, where he shares insights into the inspiration behind the book. We’re excited to welcome him back for a second interview with our Hooked on Books series!

Stories like If You See a Bluebird by Bahram Rahman—published by the small but mighty Canadian publisher Pajama Press—can be powerful tools to help children understand and process change, navigate complex emotions, and build resilience during times of transition.For primary teachers, If You See a Bluebird offers an excellent way to discuss complex emotions like homesickness and belonging in the classroom. It helps students understand empathy and compassion, while encouraging them to explore their own feelings of change and connection. At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring team values books like this for their ability to spark important conversations and support students in developing emotional intelligence, fostering stronger connections with themselves and others.

Growing a Nation of Readers—One Book at a Time

The Forest of Reading, run by the Ontario Library Association, is Canada’s largest recreational reading program, engaging over 270,000 participants each year through ten age-specific programs that promote Canadian literature in both English and French, and foster a lifelong love of reading. Designed for children, youth, and adults, it encourages literacy through curated book lists and interactive activities, with strong support from parents and teachers who guide and inspire young readers. The program culminates in the annual Forest of Reading Festival in Toronto at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), a vibrant literary celebration where thousands gather to meet authors, attend workshops, and see the winners—voted on by readers themselves—announced live.

About the Author: Meet Bahram Rahman

Bahram Rahman was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and moved to Canada as a refugee in 2012. Growing up during a time of war, he experienced firsthand the challenges of change and resilience. Bahram has a master's in public policy and works as a senior policy advisor in Toronto, Ontario. His books, including The Library Bus, A Sky-Blue Bench, and If You See a Bluebird, draw on his personal experiences and explore themes of hope, empathy, and the power of storytelling. Bahram’s writing encourages children to understand their emotions and develop compassion for others.

An Interview with Bahram Rahman: On Helping Children Navigate Change, Build Empathy, and Find Hope Through Storytelling

If You See a Bluebird explores themes of change and hope. How do you think stories like this can help children develop emotional resilience, particularly in challenging times?

Change is difficult for everyone, especially for children. They often experience big emotions but don’t always know how to express them. I believe stories like If You See a Bluebird provide a way for them to understand and talk about those feelings. When children read about Ali missing his home or adjusting to a new place, it can help them realize that it’s okay to feel sad or uncertain—and that these feelings are part of finding their way in a new situation.

I think one of the best ways to develop resilience is by building empathy in children for what others might be going through. It creates opportunities for thoughtful conversations about what really matters in life and helps children recognize that, even in difficult times, they are not truly alone. Once that feeling of isolation or being singled out is gone, it can make all the difference.

In your book, the bluebird is rich in symbolism. How can parents and educators use this symbolism to encourage curiosity and critical thinking in young children?

I love using symbolism in stories and art in general, and it’s a big part of my creative process. You might remember in my previous book, A Sky-Blue Bench, the colour blue represented peace, courage, and wisdom. I have to admit that I benefit greatly from the rich Persian Tajik culture, which is full of symbolism in both literature and art. Parents and educators can use these symbolic references to spark curiosity by asking children what they think they might mean, encouraging them to explore how concepts like colours and symbols carry deeper meanings in stories. They can also explore how concepts like hope or love are represented in ways that are meaningful to their cultural background.

Given the book’s powerful messages, how do you think literature can play a role in teaching children empathy and compassion for others with different experiences than their own?

One of the main reasons I wrote this story was to explore the private feelings and emotions that refugees experience, which are often invisible to others as they rebuild their lives from scratch. I don’t think this topic is often addressed, especially from a child’s perspective, and I wanted to bring that voice into children's literature. Literature can be a powerful tool for teaching empathy as it allows children to connect with characters who are navigating experiences that may be very different from their own. By engaging with these stories, children can begin to understand the challenges others face and develop a sense of compassion. In general, my goal has always been to create a tool for teachers, parents, and librarians to help start important conversations about these sensitive topics, fostering a deeper understanding and kindness toward others.

How can parents and teachers use If You See a Bluebird to help children understand and talk about their feelings?

If You See a Bluebird offers a gentle way for parents and teachers to help children understand and talk about their feelings. The story shows Ali’s emotional journey as he navigates loss and the feeling of missing home, making it easier for children to relate to similar emotions they might be experiencing. Parents and teachers can use Ali’s experience to start conversations about feelings of homesickness, change, and belonging. They can encourage children to talk about what "home" means to them and how they cope with difficult feelings, helping them recognize that emotions like sadness and hope are a part of growing and adjusting to new situations.

How do you hope children connect with the message of this book?

I hope children connect with Ali’s story that even through loss, there’s always hope and a chance to build a new life. I want children to see that it’s okay to miss something, but with love and courage, they can create new beginnings and find hope in the future.

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If You See a Bluebird offers an invaluable opportunity to engage young readers in important conversations about change, resilience, and the meaning of home. Through Ali’s journey, children can gain a deeper understanding of empathy, emotional growth, and the power of love and family. As educators and caregivers, books like this help foster meaningful connections and create an environment where children feel supported in navigating their own emotions. Want to learn more about Bahram Rahman’s other works? Read our previous interview with Bahram about his past Forest of Reading nominated book, A Sky-Blue Bench, and discover more stories that spark curiosity, compassion, and understanding in young readers.

Check out more interviews with Forest of Reading nominees in our Hooked on Books series, including: Tig by Heather Smith: A Journey Through Grief and Growth for Middle Grade Readers and From Cringe to Courage with Kristy Jackson's Mortified. On this theme, stay tuned for our upcoming interview featuring Today I Am: 10 Stories of Belonging—a powerful collection that continues the conversation around identity, emotions, and finding one’s place in the world.