My Two Blankets by Irena Kobald and Freya Blackwood is a very powerful book about a child having to build a new sense of self in a new country. The two blankets refer to the two aspects of herself.
We drew our own blankets and also wrote about our experiences of change.
I am a Chinese girl but, when I was six years old, I went to New Zealand. I was afraid and timid when I went to school. I thought English was difficult and boring.
Also, in New Zealand I changed my name. I was called Gao Ruo Wei in China, but in New Zealand I was called Regina. I was like Cartwheel in that I didn’t feel I was me.
I felt like I had two identities. The new world was boring, but slowly, slowly I adapted to New Zealand. But I am me. I can’t change! – Regina
Viktor’s blanket
I drew TKP because that’s my kete. I drew a motor bike because I want to learn. I drew my mum’s shoes because I like her. I drew a cross because I like to play naughts and crosses. I drew a plane because I like planes.
Alex’s blanket
Tanu’s blanket
I am a careful person and I like a game for playing and need money, and need to do hard work for getting 100%. And I love my family and am a kind person.