Lubna And Pebble – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Lubna And Pebble

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019

94%

WISE Score

A heart-wrenching and beautiful look at how a simple rock and a big act of kindness can make a refugee camp feel a little more like home.

Lubna And Pebble

book

2019

94%

WISE Score

A heart-wrenching and beautiful look at how a simple rock and a big act of kindness can make a refugee camp feel a little more like home.

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Screenwise Verdict

This isn't just a 'diversity' pick or a book about a crisis; it's a genuinely moving piece of storytelling. It tackles the refugee experience by zooming in on one tiny, relatable relationship: a girl and her pebble.

It’s the kind of book that sticks with you long after you close the cover. If you want to raise a kid who actually thinks about others and understands that kindness is a choice, this is the move. It avoids the 'educational' boredom trap by being visually gorgeous and emotionally honest.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4 to 9. It’s a perfect read-aloud for preschoolers and a thoughtful solo read for early elementary kids who are starting to notice the wider world.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It models profound kindness, self-sacrifice, and emotional resilience in a difficult setting without being preachy.

Imaginative

The central conceit—a pebble that listens and smiles—perfectly captures the way children use imagination to cope with uncertainty.

Safe

It handles a heavy topic with extreme gentleness. There is no on-page violence or trauma, just the quiet reality of living in tents.

Enriching

It is a masterclass in empathy, introducing the concept of refugees through a lens a child can actually grasp: friendship and sharing.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Empathy masterclass that helps kids understand the refugee experience without a heavy-handed lecture.
Stunning visuals by Daniel Egnéus that make the 'World of Tents' feel both real and dreamlike.
Emotional intelligence is the focus here; it validates that it is okay to be scared and find comfort in small things.
Universal themes of friendship and sacrifice make it relevant to any kid, regardless of their background.

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What to Watch For

The emotional weight is real. If your kid is in a sensitive phase, expect some big questions about why Lubna doesn't have a house or why the boy is 'lost.'
Poignant ending that might require a little extra cuddle time; it's a 'happy' ending, but it comes with the bittersweet reality of Lubna's situation.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Lubna gave Pebble away if she loved him so much?"
"If you had to move and could only take one tiny thing in your pocket, what would it be?"
"What are some ways we can make a new person feel welcome, just like Lubna did for the boy?"
"Why was the pebble such a good friend to Lubna when she was scared?"

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