Lubna and Pebble

Product Information

Then a little boy arrives to the World of Tents, and he is lost, cold and numb. Lubna introduces the boy to Pebble, and the two become friends in their new, uncertain world. The dream-like illustrations perfectly encapsulate the uncertainty inherent in Lubna’s refugee experience, yet the tenderness they convey encourages children to feel empathy as they learn about Lubna’s displacement, and awe as they watch Lubna give away the one possession she cherishes most. When Amir arrives to the World of Tents, Lubna will explore and play with him, but Pebble is still her best friend. But once it is time to leave, maybe the boy, Amir, could use Pebble’s friendship more. It is such a generous fare-thee-well gift; the exchange is marvelously sweet. LUBNA AND PEBBLE can be used as a springboard for so many different activities at home or in your classroom! This little book in very few words provides children with a deep understanding of what it is like to lose your home to war, seek safety in your dad and a pebble, provide comfort and solace to a fellow little person who is also displaced and be able to say goodbye with grace and gratitude.

This tender, understated story honors the emotional resilience of young people." - Horn Book Magazine As this enchanting story progresses, Lubna meets a new friend, a fellow refugee named Amir. Lubna befriends him and introduces pebble to him. They play hide and seek together and keep each other company while their families wait in the “World of Tents.” Eventually, Lubna’s family finds a new home and Lubna has mixed feelings about leaving Amir. Before her family moves on Lubna passes on the gift that has helped her through hard times. Hopefully Amir will find the same fortune with pebble. Lubna falls asleep in her Daddy’s salty arms and continues holding onto her pebble. Daniel Egnéus, the illustrator, portrays the father as huge, tall and comforting with broad shoulders and muscular arms. Egnéus has purposely created interesting perspectives, where the reader’s eyes are at the level of a child and must look up at the giant hand holding the small palm or large outstretched arms asking for a hug. There is no doubt that Lubna feels safe and secure with her Daddy.

Reviews

This story prompts so many thoughts! What is the role of imaginary friends in calming us down? What makes me personally feel safe and cared for? What have I read about other objects that help kids through tough times? How do we care for ourselves in times of great stress? Another lovely book. The artwork is amazing. I can see this being nominated for a Caldecott. It makes loose allusions, but I think this is about a girl in a refugee camp, but it never says that. A girl ends up somewhere from a boat with her dad. They live in tents and she remembers her family. That is all pretty much alluded too. Lubna finds a pebble on the beach and she befriends it and draws a smile on the pebble. She tells it everything, her memories and fears and hopes. Eventually, another kid shows up and they become friends too. At the end of the story Lubna and her dad are moving on to somewhere and she has to say goodbye to her new friend. One day, however, Lubna’s father announces good news — they have a new home! Thus, they will be leaving the World of Tents — and when it comes time to say goodbye to Amir, Lubna leaves him with the most precious, perfect gift. LUBNA AND PEBBLE is an Absolute Must Have Children’s Book About Refugees — One Every Child Everywhere Should Read! The words help too–ones like best friend, clutched, gripped, safe, happy face, always, come close. Overall this book makes me feel safe in the middle of intense drama. It can lead to a random acts of kindness train, illuminating the manner in which a single compassionate gesture can escalate and spiral until it positively affects the days and weeks of the people in our schools, neighborhoods and communities.

The angle of the illustrations is an intriguing choice. We are most often either at level or looking upward toward Lubna (just shorter than her). There are few overhead. We are kept to some distance, but always close enough and never superior in perspective. I wonder at how this suits the gentle tone the author brings; the angles certainly emphasize the expressive postures of the characters. The rich blue and green tones are soothing; you’re reminded how warm they are when the wintry scenes come to call. LUBNA AND PEBBLE is a stunning story about the refugee experience — specifically, a portrait of life as a child refugee — that is as harrowing as it is beautiful. It is an ode to the power of good deeds, friendship and a compassionate, kind heart. Why Read LUBNA AND PEBBLE? It will seamlessly begin a discussion about the harrowing refugee experience, one that can easily incorporate K-W-L charts, Padlet boards or something similar in which children can highlight the many similarities they share with refugees despite distance and circumstances separating us. This is a very simple book. A little girl, her father, and a refugee camp. Lubna finds a pebble and a felt-tip pen, gives Pebble a face, and gains a companion. The simple text, and beautiful drawings don't obscure a deep compassion for the plight of refugees around the world. The littlest victims are children who should have a home that is safe from danger and war. Sadly too many of them don't survive the journeys. This story offers hope as we see Lubna make a friend and enjoy the delights that children should experience despite her surroundings. The three way chats, in which they are joined by other animals, about web spinning, themselves, other humans—are as often informative as amusing, and the whole tenor of appealing wit and pathos will make fine entertainment for reading aloud, too.SUSAN: I have read a lot of children’s books that deal with the refugee experience, and there is something unique about this one. The focus of the story is not on the trauma of having to suddenly leave your home or lose your mother, though those themes are present in the narrative. Instead the focus is on friendship, care and safety. The close-ups hone in on sheltering arms, a comfortable cozy “bed” for Pebble. The overall effect is the safe care Lubna gives Pebble. Lubna navigates the challenges of being a refugee: keeping happy—or rather, surviving—and passing the courage on. This is a wise, gentle story about the possibility of kindness in even the bleakest situations." - LoveReading4Kids Another title that we received for OIB was Idriss and his Marble by René Gouichoux with illustrations by Zaü (StarBerry Books, 2019). Just like Lubna, Idriss has one marble to keep him company as his mother and he flee danger and travel to safety. Idriss’ small marble helps him dream and imagine a better life. It is interesting the both of these picturebooks depict how a small object can bring such happiness to young children. Furthermore, both objects help the children take action like you mention Susan and even help them make friends. Pairing both of these titles together could be really interesting.