A little girl sees her mother’s fear when war comes to their home. Fear is replaced with hope when they board a huge, shiny airplane. When it lands, they are somewhere new, and slowly, it comes to feel like home. There are many new experiences, like the beautiful, fluffy snow. And the shrill school bell that reminds the little girl of the noises of war her family left behind. But with time and love, her family embraces their new life, and it is the most beautiful thing she has ever seen.

Nadia Devi Umadat is a Canadian social worker of Indo-Guyanese heritage, born in Toronto. She has a Master's Degree in Social Work and a Graduate Diploma in Refugee and Migration Studies. As a Youth Mental Health Counsellor she supported newcomer and refugee families who had experiences of war, torture, crimes against humanity and genocide. Her writing is inspired by Syrian children during their initial stages of Canadian relocation. She lives in Toronto.

Nadia Devi Umadat's profile page

Christine Wei is a Taiwanese artist living on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in Vancouver, BC. She graduated from Emily Carr University of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Major in Illustration. Christine's work often draws inspiration from sentiment, life stories, and nature-inspired mark-makings. She loves creating art with a variety of mediums to convey relatable narratives in dynamic perspectives.

Christine Wei's profile page

"A timely book that shares a glimpse into the experiences of people who leave their homes for various reasons, such as war and how that impacts them...A hopeful addition to children's literature because it provides space to name, understand, reflect and connect with the different experiences that people are going through. We also see a beautiful and diverse community risin gup to help newcomers feel a sense of comfort and belonging."

Canadian Children's Book News

"The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the emotional journey of refugees and the power of hope. Nadia Devi Umadat's evocative storytelling and Christine Wei's captivating illustrations combine to create a touching and unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact on readers. Highly Recommended."

Canadian Review of Materials

"Tells a story that is relevant and impactful. The illustrations by Christine Wei are vibrant, joyfully emotive, and culturally inclusive. An easily digestible introduction to topics such as immigration, war, and trauma, and it presents these topics through a heartwarming tale of a family coming together."

Quill and Quire

"The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen (ages 6-8) starts with a family forced to leave their home because of a war and ends with the family celebrating after their citizenship ceremony in their new country. In between there are many new experiences, like snowflakes and fireworks, as the story illustrates how children and families heal from trauma."

49th Shelf