Review by: Chelsea Jordan

Lubna clutches her prized possession close to her heart. It’s just a small pebble, but it brings her strength and comfort during an uncertain time in the refugee camp.  The pebble listens to her, smiles at her, and is her best friend. But when another young boy in the “World of Tents” is badly in need of friendship, will Lubna be able to help him? In a place filled with fear and uncertainty, a small token of friendship can lead to courage, hope, and friendship. 

This book is a wonderful way to begin a discussion with children about the current refugee crisis. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, at least 79.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes. Among them nearly 26 million are under the age of 18 (UNHCR, June 2020). This book is among several recent titles (including The Illegal, Marwan’s Journey, and I Lived on Butterfly Hill) that seek to represent the refugee experience. It introduces young children to underrepresented characters, showing how even the young, marginalized, and those with few possessions have a lot to give.Through this beautifully illustrated picturebook, we see displaced Lubna become a hero. In her small and innocent way, she inspires us all to become heroes to someone. Children will learn how to find strength in the middle of tragic circumstances and how to support others going through difficult times. 

Lubna and Pebble (2015). Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus (illus). Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House: New York.

Review by: Chelsea Jordan, Graduate Education Student and World Explorer