Based on the animated CBC Gem series Dounia, by the same creator A fable-like refugee story written by a Syrian Canadian who is involved with the Syrian refugee community Captures the harsh realities of migration with sensitivity and honesty Elegant, eye-catching artwork beautifully illustrates one young girl's strength and resilience as she takes an active part in her own destiny Dounia loves her home in Aleppo, Syria, and all of its wonderful smells, sights, and traditions. But when war breaks out, Dounia and her grandparents must flee their home to find safety. Before they go, their neighbor reads their future in a cup of coffee and sees a long, difficult journey ahead, and a blue house waiting at the end. With only a bird carved from Aleppo soap and four little baraké seeds in her pocket, Dounia and her family face dangerous waters, a camp surrounded by barbed wire, and unfriendly soldiers. Remembering the ancient knowledge that baraké seeds ward off evil, Dounia pulls one from her pocket to use for each of the threats her family faces. Magically, the seeds help the family along their way, until they finally find the blue house prophesied by their neighbor.