The Silence Seeker

The Silence Seeker (2009), written by Ben Morley and illustrated by Carl Pearce, follows a young boy named Joe whose new neighbours are asylum seekers. When Joe’s mother explains that they have come from far away looking for peace and quiet, Joe misunderstands the expression “asylum seeker” as “silence seeker.” Wanting to help the boy from the new family, Joe takes him through the noisy city in search of a quiet place. As they explore different locations, they encounter traffic, people, and other sounds. Although they cannot communicate easily, the two boys begin to connect and share a simple moment together. Through Joe’s search, the story explores his growing curiosity about his new neighbour and his attempt to understand what the family may be looking for.