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 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 Activities It will seamlessly begin a discussion about the harrowing refugee experience, one that can easily incorporate K-W-L charts, Padlet boards or something similar in which children can highlight the many similarities they share with refugees despite distance and circumstances separating us. 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?This emotionally stirring and stunningly illustrated picture book explores one girl’s powerful act of friendship in the midst of an unknown situation. Lubna navigates the challenges of being a refugee: keeping happy—or rather, surviving—and passing the courage on. 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 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.

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 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. 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.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 warm and touching picturebook, about a child's kindness to another, features children who have crossed a sea from a war to live in a world of tents. Evocative drawings express sadness and hope." - One to Watch Out For in the Sunday Times A successful juvenile by the beloved New Yorker writer portrays a farm episode with an imaginative twist that makes a poignant, humorous story of a pig, a spider and a little girl. The story has an ageless emotional heart, really, with lovely illustrations, told in a way easily understood by children." - Families Glasgow