Lubna and Pebble

Product Information

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.

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. 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 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. This emotionally stirring and stunningly illustrated picture book explores one girl’s powerful act of friendship in the midst of an unknown situation. 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 navigates the challenges of being a refugee: keeping happy—or rather, surviving—and passing the courage on. Lubna and Pebble is a collaboration between Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egnéus has resulted in a lovely and timely book. Lubna’s best friend and confidante is a pebble called Pebble. Lubna feels safe in the World of Tents with Pebble by her side and Daddy to watch over her. When Amir arrives, friendless and alone, Lubna knows what to do…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. 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. Spacious, soaring spreads by Egneus add flashes of imaginative escape to the poignant story by Meddour." - Publishers Weekly