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  • Published: 25 July 2012
  • ISBN: 9780143505518
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $16.99

Ziba Came on a Boat




Based on real events, this is the moving story of a little refugee girl's brave journey across the sea to make a new life, far from home. This lyrical story is accompanied by stunning illustrations by the acclaimed Robert Ingpen.

Ziba came on a boat. A soggy old fishing boat that creaked and moaned as it rose and fell, rose and fell across an endless sea ...

Based on real events, Ziba Came on a Boat is the moving story of a little girl whose family has lost almost everything. This beautiful picture book takes us on her brave journey to make a new life, far from home.

'This tender story of hope is timeless.' The Sunday Age

  • Published: 25 July 2012
  • ISBN: 9780143505518
  • Imprint: Picture Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $16.99

About the authors

Liz Lofthouse

Liz Lofthouse was born in Perth, WA, and lived there with her husband and their two daughters. After becoming a primary school teacher, Liz also worked in a volunteer capacity with local refugees. She was inspired to write Ziba Came on a Boat after hearing stories told by people from the Hazara community – refugees from Afghanistan who now live in Perth. Liz passed away from melanoma in 2018.

Robert Ingpen

Robert Ingpen has illustrated more than a hundred books for children and adults in his forty-year career. He is the only Australian to have been awarded the highest honour in the children’s book world – the Hans Christian Andersen Medal – for his lasting contribution to literature. In 1989, he was awarded the Dromkeen Medal, for his commitment to the appreciation and development of literature for young people. He is one of Australia’s best-loved artists and illustrators.

Praise for Ziba Came on a Boat

Ziba Came on a Boat uses powerful words and the sweeping accompaniment of Ingpen's drawings to impart its message of tragedy, courage and hope.

The West Australian

It's difficult to know what to praise first: Liz Lofthouse's compelling, elegantly pared back tale about a young refugee, or Robert Ingpen's hauntingly beautiful illustrations.

The Sunday Age

This tender story of hope is timeless.

The Sunday Age
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