Children's book by former Vietnamese refugee brings author's story full circle

More than 40 years ago, Nhung Tran Davies received a gift that changed the course of her life.

After escapingthe Vietnam War and spendingeight months in a refugee camp in Malaysia, her family was brought to Canada.

When theyarrived at the Edmonton International Airport, a little girl greeted Tran-Davies, then five years old,with a doll.

"This doll came to represent all the kindness and generosity and compassion of Canadians," Tran-Davies said in an interview with CBC's Radio Active.

• Former Vietnamese refugee pays it forward by sponsoring Syrian family

Tran-Davies' family was sponsored by a church group in Alberta, a kindness she was able to pay forward in 2016 by helping sponsor a Syrian family to Edmonton.

When the familyarrived, Tran-Davies presented theyoungest child with a doll.

Now she's written a children's book inspired by her experiences. The Dolltells the story of two young refugees generations apart and the gift of a doll as an act of welcoming.

"This book is very special to me;it is a story that is 40 years in the making," Tran-Davies said.

Childrens book by former Vietnamese refugee a story of welcome

3 years ago

Duration 1:36

Forty years after arriving in Edmonton as a refugee and being gifted a doll, Nhung Tran-Davies offered a doll to a newly arrived Syrian girl a story captured in her newest book.

Her family's sponsorshelpedher mother and five siblings adjust to their new home.

Tran-Davies, a doctor, credits the generosity of her sponsorsas the foundation for everything she has and everything she's become, just one story among many of those who came to Canada seeking a better life.

"Canada has become more beautiful because of immigration," she said.

Tran-Davies never forgot that first act of kindness, keeping the doll on her shelf for the past 40 years as areminder.

"We often forget that every little action has an impact and I just feel that this is a story that is an example of that," Tran-Davies said.

She expects many Canadian children will see themselves or their parents in the story but says that the book is for everyone.

"I think it's a book that helps create empathy, because books have a great way of increasing compassion and empathy."

That empathy can help allay fears and bring the issue of displaced persons back into the spotlight, she said.

While refugees are not in theheadlines as often as they were even five years ago, there are still many millions all over the world struggling with even the most basic necessities, Tran-Davies said.

"I think it's an obligation that we open our doors," she said. Shehopes her book can be a part of that conversation.

"It really does give voice to us refugees," Tran-Davies said. "I think kindness in general is a powerful force, that it can effect positive change in the world."

Tran-Davies will be at a special curbside launch of The Dollin Calmar, southeast of Edmonton, on Sunday with part of the proceeds going toward the sponsorship ofanother Syrian family.