Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour illustrated by Daniel Egneus

This is a book that really tugs at your heartstrings.  Red Reading Hub

Please enter this book slowly. There are waves on the first page. They are there for a reason. Then we see a young girl with a large pebble which has a texta smile. Next page an overcrowded and rusty boat with Arabic writing on the hull is navigating the wild ocean. Turn again and the page is filled with a very close view of Lubna holding her pebble - her best friend. where is this child? What has happened to her family - she only has her father in this place. Surely a young child should have a cuddly toy and a home with walls not a tent. Lubna is in a refugee camp. Life is confusing and very hard.

"Lubna told Pebble everything. About her brothers. About home About the war. Pebble always listened to her stories. Pebble always smiled when she felt scared."

It is so cold in the winter in this camp. Her dad finds a box and a tea towel and Lubna wraps Pebble up to keep warm. Then one day another child arrives in the camp. His name is Amir. Now Lubna has another friend but then her father tells her they are leaving the camp. The final scenes will make you smile. 

My own home bookshelves are way too full, but I am going to purchase this book - yes it is that special! The paperback version of this book was published in 2020 [9780192767257]. I highly recommend you consider adding Lubna and Pebble to your school library. 

A true celebration of the endless creativity and resilience of children. Kirkus Star review

Adults know that one of the best things a good book can do is engender empathy in the reader. The beautiful relationships depicted here will touch readers. In addition, this book provides a perfect opening for discussing the ever-growing refugee crisis and the immense challenges faced by displaced people, desperately in need of humanity, compassion and refuge. Finally, this book personalises and dignifies a child and her father. It shows how, even in conditions of deprivation, we can still show love and compassion for others less fortunate. Just Imagine

Although there are plenty of picture books out there that aim to open the eyes of more privileged children, there are few which manage to achieve that with this level of simplicity and implicitness. Egnéus' imagery cleverly weaves motifs of hope - glowing light and blooming flora - with a use of colour that speaks to children's hearts. The text nearly always leaves the reader wanting to know more: why did they arrive on the beach at night? Why were Daddy's arms salty? What was the World of Tents? Why did they have to stay in the tent during winter? That Boy Can Teach

Companion books:

Amira's Suitcase

Four feet, two sandals

I previously talked about this book by Wendy Meddour:

Tisha and the Blossom

I am very keen to see these: