JODA

A young girl travels the globe while learning to find her own voice in this picture book from Sarela.

Born in a village in the city of Amber, Joda lives out of a suitcase, moving from Portugal to Stockholm, and beyond. (The author describes her as “that bird who has never heard of a cage.”) Joda is searching for a sense of home and wonders if she can be truly happy without a permanent place to live. During her travels, she meets, among others, a turtle who tells her, “Yes it’s beautiful," when discussing his home, "but I see it every day, and I get bored.” The exchange helps Joda appreciate her own experiences. Still, the main exploration in the book goes beyond travels and focuses on Joda's relationship with herself. She navigates her anxieties through the Little Voices—illustrated almost like talking tiny stars or fortune cookies with legs—that guide her journey of processing these new experiences while recognizing that a sense of home can come from within. The visuals are nostalgic and rich in world-building, reminiscent of classic British children’s illustrations, with mementos of her travels displayed throughout to show a child's life lived across cultures. The dedication is in itself moving by framing the work as an ode to “families who live on the move” and offering a coming-of-age guide on how to feel at home even without one.

A well-crafted love letter to travel, culture, and self-discovery, perfect for third-culture kids and families alike.