Lubna's best friend is a pebble. She found Pebble on the beach the night she and Daddy came to the World of Tents. Lubna tells Pebble all about her brothers, her home and the war.
One day a little boy comes to the World of Tents. His name is Amir and he doesn't talk to anyone. Lubna knows what to do.
Hope can come to the darkest corners.
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
Keywords: hope, immigrants, immigration, helping others, kindness, compassion, empathy, 5 year olds, 6 year olds, 7 year olds, 8 year olds, refugees
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In an unforgettable story that subtly addresses the refugee crisis, a young girl must decide if friendship means giving up the one item that gives her comfort during a time of utter uncertainty.
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.
This emotionally stirring and stunningly illustrated picture book explores one girl's powerful act of friendship in the midst of an unknown situation.--from the publisher
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“But I’m alright, I’m alright
I’m just weary to my bones
Still, you don’t expect to be
Bright and bon vivant
So far away from home, so far away from home”
-- Paul Simon, “American Tune” (1973)
“Lubna’s best friend was a pebble. It was shiny and smooth and gray.
Lubna found it on the beach when they arrived in the night. Then she fell asleep in Daddy’s salty arms.
When Lubna opened her eyes, it was morning. They had landed in a World of Tents. Lubna clutched Daddy’s hand and gripped her pebble. Somehow, she knew they’d keep her safe.
In a big white tent, Lubna found a felt-tip pen. She drew a happy face on her pebble. ‘Hello, Pebble,’ whispered Lubna. Pebble smiled back.
Lubna told Pebble everything. About her brothers, About home. About the war.”
When the ship they’d been on lands at the refugee camp in a new country, Lubna is comforted and kept occupied by her beloved Pebble. When another, even younger refugee named Amir, arrives at the camp, Lubna introduces him to Pebble. Lubna and Amir become close friends.
The day comes when Daddy announces that they are leaving, that he has found himself and Lubna a new home. Amir cries at the impending loss of his friend. In a kind and loving gesture, Lubna presents Pebble to Amir.
LUBNA AND PEBBLE is a powerful story, but its strength is multiplied through Daniel Egnéus’s stunning illustrations. They alternate between close-ups of the two young refugees and Pebble, and images of the enormous ship and endless tents as seen from a small child’s perspective.
A beautiful picture book story and a great introduction to the topic of refugees.
Recommended by: Richie Partington, MLIS, California USA
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