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! 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?

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. LUBNA AND PEBBLE can be used as a springboard for so many different activities at home or in your classroom!This small story is huge in compassion, wisdom and inspires us to do more not for just children but all those seeking safety in other lands. 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. The story has an ageless emotional heart, really, with lovely illustrations, told in a way easily understood by children." - Families Glasgow 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 AND PEBBLE is an absolute must read. It is one of those special stories that will undoubtedly spark conversation with your kids and students.

By Susan Corapi, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL, and Deanna Day, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 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 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.In LUBNA AND PEBBLE, Lubna’s best friend is a pebble, found the night she landed in a World of Tents with her father. Pebble smiles at her when she is scared, and as long as Pebble and her dad are with her, Lubna knows she is safe. Pebble, simply put, is Lubna’s confidante – the only one she has to talk with besides her father. 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. 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? 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.