Birmingham Boy by Kate Rafiq

Birmingham Boy
by Kate Rafiq

From the vibrant streets of Birmingham comes a joyful celebration of childhood, community, and belonging. Kate Rafiq's Birmingham Boy is a beautifully illustrated picture book that captures the richness of everyday life through the eyes of a young South Asian boy navigating his city.

In playful rhyming verses brought to life with colourful, atmospheric illustrations, we follow our protagonist from morning prayers through bustling streets, corner shops, and family moments. This is a story about seeing yourself reflected in the world around you—about pride in heritage, the warmth of community, and the simple magic of a day well-lived.

But there's depth beneath the joy. Birmingham Boy gently opens conversations about homelessness and social inequality, making it a perfect springboard for families wanting to explore what it means to see and care for those around us. The book carries a real-world purpose too: a portion of profits supports Homeless One, a Birmingham-based charity providing meals to homeless and vulnerable people.

At 36 pages and fully illustrated in a gorgeous paperback format, Birmingham Boy is the perfect read-aloud for children aged 3-7—a book that delights on first reading and reveals new depths on return visits. It's the kind of story that makes children see their own cities with fresh eyes and open hearts.

Perfect for families seeking picture books that reflect diverse Britain, for anyone with a connection to Birmingham, and for those who believe stories have the power to build empathy and understanding.

Publisher: Dune Books

Date Published: 28/02/2021

ISBN: 9781838346102

Number of pages: 32

Binding:

• Paperback

Book genres:

• Family

Target audience:

• Children
• Early Readers (ages 3-8)