The Little Yellow Bottle

As The Little Yellow Bottle begins, Ahmad and Marwa are playing in the small forest that shades their village when Ahmad picks up a little yellow bottle. The bottles have been dropped from airplanes that have flown over their village. Ahmad does not know that the shiny yellow bottle is a bomb, and before Marwa can say anything it explodes. Marwa is badly hurt, but the doctors tell her she will heal. Ahmad is not so lucky. His hand and leg must be amputated and, when he realizes he will never walk or run again, he loses his will to live. But when a special visitor with laughing eyes comes to visit, Ahmad regains hope and learns how to live life to the fullest. Although he never plays soccer again, Ahmad becomes the best coach the village has ever had.

This is a very powerful picture book that could be shared with students from the older primary grades right through to high school. Written in the first person, the prose is simple yet effective, and the illustrations, which blend textures, drawings and collage, elicit strong emotional responses. Although this book tackles a very difficult subject, it leaves us with a positive message and implores us not to forget those children in the world who have been affected by war. This thought-provoking little book would be a worthy addition to any classroom or library and could be used to initiate discussions about the effects of war, abilities/disabilities and hope. This title is also available in French as Une petite bouteille jaune, published by Éditions de l’Isatis.

Ahmad and Marwa are playing near their village when Ahmad picks up a little yellow bottle. Ahmad does not know that the bottle is a bomb, and before Marwa can say anything it explodes. With the loss of his hand and leg, Ahmad loses his will to live. A special visitor helps Ahmad regain hope and teaches him how to live life to the fullest. This title is also available in French as Une petite bouteille jaune.