New picture book by Miriam Latimer showcases how a refugee child settles in their new home 

Award-winning illustrator Miriam Latimer has written and illustrated her debut picture book as an author about the struggles of a refugee child settling into their new home, inspired by her experiences of supporting Syrian refugees and helping their transition into a new life. The book will be published by Graffeg with the financial support of the Books Council of Wales.

Miriam Latimer says, ‘I am so excited to be working with Graffeg to get The Colour of Home published and onto bookshelves. Myself and the wonderful folk at Graffeg are so passionate about this book. It's about welcoming refugees and embracing newcomers, and how that person might be a friend that you just don't know yet.’ 

Matthew Howard, Publishing Director of Graffeg, adds, ‘Graffeg are delighted to be working with author and illustrator Miriam Latimer on this beautiful, touching and important story. Miriam’s tale points towards a hopeful future for everyone, where acceptance of others leads not only to safety and security for those seeking help but also to an enriched sense of self for those who offer it. We’re delighted Miriam has brought her talents to Graffeg and look forward to the impact this book will have.’ 

The Colour of Home 

When Ana leaves everything she knows and loves behind to escape the turmoil of war, she struggles to settle into her new home with Olive and her family. Olive has some adjustment struggles of her own, but when the girls draw together, Ana’s drawings show Olive what she has left behind. Olive realises what Ana has had to sacrifice for the simple right to be safe and wants to help. Little by little, her kindness and love help bring colour back into Ana’s world. A powerful and poetic book about a new home and new hope that will stay with you long after the last page has turned. 

The Colour of Home publishes October 2024. 

Notes to Editors: 

Please find attached a photo of Miriam Latimer. Contact media@graffeg.com to request interviews or images for editorial use or to request more information on this title. 

Miriam Latimer is an award-winning illustrator, author and potter living on the North Devon coast with her husband and two sons. She studied Illustration at UWE in Bristol and has since illustrated over 25 books and worked with publishers including Hodder Children’s Books, Barefoot Books and Little Tiger Press. She has also worked with Bookstart, Devon Life and Saga Magazine, among others. Miriam creates bright, joyful, characterful, nature-inspired illustrations and previously won a Children’s Book Gold Award with the Association of Illustrators.