Lubna and Pebble

Product Information

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.

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. LUBNA AND PEBBLE can be used as a springboard for so many different activities at home or in your classroom! 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. 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. 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.Spacious, soaring spreads by Egneus add flashes of imaginative escape to the poignant story by Meddour." - Publishers Weekly 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? 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 an absolute must read. It is one of those special stories that will undoubtedly spark conversation with your kids and students. My goodness ! Thank goodness ! I did not yet try to read this to cousin's children as I sobbed uncontrollably the first read, cried sweetly on the second read and was even tearful on the third read. By Susan Corapi, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL, and Deanna Day, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA LUBNA AND PEBBLE is the kind of story that teaches and enlightens with the very first read, one that will offer comfort to the multitude of children who have lived Lubna’s experience and nurture empathy in those who have little prior understanding of what it means to be a refugee — to leave your home, your friends, and settle in temporary housing, often tents, while your parents struggle to find a real place to live. And, of course, it is a story of giving, about the power of one act of generosity, and the manner in which one seemingly tiny action can single handedly change a life. Written and illustrated with the lightest touch, this book is perfect for kindergarten on up. LUBNA AND PEBBLE ActivitiesThe story has an ageless emotional heart, really, with lovely illustrations, told in a way easily understood by children." - Families Glasgow This tender, understated story honors the emotional resilience of young people." - Horn Book Magazine 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. This is a wise, gentle story about the possibility of kindness in even the bleakest situations." - LoveReading4Kids 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.

This emotionally stirring and stunningly illustrated picture book explores one girl’s powerful act of friendship in the midst of an unknown situation. I have pored over the pictures again in Lubna and the Pebble after reading your comment. I am not trained in art, so what I know has come from working hard to understand the art of illustration. I am trying to describe what I see and how that makes me feel as a reader because the art points us toward that theme of safety and care.

Lubna’s best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does. Pebble, with its drawn-on eyes and smile, is Lubna’s best friend as they sailed to and arrived at the World of Tents (aka Refugee settlement). Even as her father keeps her close and warm and safe, Lubna keeps Pebble close, warm and safe. Between the two, she seems content. Pebble listens to Lubna’s stories with a comforting smile. Her father is a near constant: close-by, holding her, often smiling. His presence makes the loneliness of Amir’s arrival seem all the more stark. DEANNA: The illustrations. Daniel Egnéus’ artwork is breathtaking–one can’t help but see how special pebble is to these two children. Both Amir’s and Lubna’s eyes, facial expressions and careful touch, display so much. 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. 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.