Lubna and Pebble
By Author / Illustrator
Wendy Meddour, Daniel Egneus
Genre
Representation & Inclusion
Age range(s)
5+
Publisher
Oxford University Press
ISBN
9780192771940
Format
Paperback
Published
07-03-2019
Synopsis
Lubna's best friend is a pebble. She found it on the beach when they arrived in the night, then she fell asleep in Daddy's salty arms. Lubna tells Pebble everything. About home. About the war. Pebble always listens to her stories and smiles when she feels afraid. But one day, when a little boy arrives, alone in a world of tents, Lubna poignantly understands that he needs Pebble even more than she does . . .
Author Wendy Meddour joins forces with illustrator Daniel Egneus to create an important story about the power of friendship, and the representation of children whose life stories are difficult.
Reviews
Kyle
Lubna and Pebble is a story that really shows off the power of friendship and how having one person in your life who cares is really all you need. From the inside cover illustration, it is clear to see that this text is going to deliver a powerful message. Daniel Egneus has created a set of illustrations that perfectly compliment and reflect the emotion of each page. They really allow the connection between reader and character to develop strongly.
This text takes the unfamiliar approach of being set within a refugee camp - or the 'World of Tents' as Lubna so innocently describes it. Lubna and her father have arrived during the night to a place where her father tells her that she will be safe. As a grown up, you soon begin to infer that they have escaped a war torn country yet have lost family along the way. All they are seeking is a peaceful home and future.
Upon their arrival on the beach, Lubna found herself a pebble. This smooth, grey pebble became her friend. A friend to whom she could tell all her worries, all her fears and all her stories too without the worry of judgement, as Lubna knew that Pebble would always smile back at her. Regardless of the season or weather, Pebble is always there for her and she is always thinking of Pebble. One day, a little boy arrives. A boy who is lost and alone in this new world, away from what he knows as home. Lubna soon builds a friendship with him, with a little help from Pebble. The new friends play and bond until one day, Lubna's dad announces the news that they have found a new home. This leaves the friends devastated at the thought of not seeing each other. That is until Lubna comes up with a plan that will always keep them connected.
This story is a truly heartwarming tale that will leave you feeling emotionally connected with the characters but also a sense of not taking what you have for granted.
Picture book / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 5+