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. 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. The story has an ageless emotional heart, really, with lovely illustrations, told in a way easily understood by children." - Families Glasgow 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.

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. string(154) "This month Susan Corapi and Deanna Day select titles that were submitted to the Outstanding International Book committee, beginning with 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. Another lovely book. The artwork is amazing. I can see this being nominated for a Caldecott. It makes loose allusions, but I think this is about a girl in a refugee camp, but it never says that. A girl ends up somewhere from a boat with her dad. They live in tents and she remembers her family. That is all pretty much alluded too. Lubna finds a pebble on the beach and she befriends it and draws a smile on the pebble. She tells it everything, her memories and fears and hopes. Eventually, another kid shows up and they become friends too. At the end of the story Lubna and her dad are moving on to somewhere and she has to say goodbye to her new friend.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 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?

The dream-like illustrations perfectly encapsulate the uncertainty inherent in Lubna’s refugee experience, yet the tenderness they convey encourages children to feel empathy as they learn about Lubna’s displacement, and awe as they watch Lubna give away the one possession she cherishes most.This tender, understated story honors the emotional resilience of young people." - Horn Book Magazine 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

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. 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. 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. 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.

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As this enchanting story progresses, Lubna meets a new friend, a fellow refugee named Amir. Lubna befriends him and introduces pebble to him. They play hide and seek together and keep each other company while their families wait in the “World of Tents.” Eventually, Lubna’s family finds a new home and Lubna has mixed feelings about leaving Amir. Before her family moves on Lubna passes on the gift that has helped her through hard times. Hopefully Amir will find the same fortune with pebble. 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.

By Susan Corapi, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL, and Deanna Day, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA DEANNA: The illustrations. Daniel Egnéus’ artwork is breathtaking–one can’t help but see how special pebble is to these two children. Both Amir’s and Lubna’s eyes, facial expressions and careful touch, display so much. Adults know that one of the best things a good book can do is engender empathy in the reader. The beautiful relationships depicted here will touch readers. In addition, this book provides a perfect opening for discussing the ever-growing refugee crisis and the immense challenges faced by displaced people, desperately in need of humanity, compassion and refuge. Finally, this book personalises and dignifies a child and her father. It shows how, even in conditions of deprivation, we can still show love and compassion for others less fortunate.

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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. 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?