Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root for Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egnéus. The sequence of learning begins with children arriving in class to discover a collection of pebbles which they will each select from to label and look after for the duration of the sequence. After beginning to read the text as a class, children discover how special the friendship is between Lubna and Pebble and write thank you letters in role to Pebble. The children go on to mirror Lubna’s actions in the story by creating cosy homes for their pebbles and describing them using simple expanded noun phrases. As the sequence continues, the children continue to explore the characters in the story and the ynamic of new friend Amir who arrives in the ‘World of Tents’. As Lubna shows true friendship by passing Pebble onto Amir when she has to leave, children go on to write advice postcards to Amir for what to do if he feels sad. Children then mirror Lubna’s actions by choosing someone to gift their own pebble to, writing instructions for how to take care of it and packaging it up for their chosen recipient. The Writing Root culminates in children creating their own re-telling of Lubna and Pebble based on their own characters and the pebble they have been looking after throughout the sequence. NB: in advance of this unit, ask children to all bring in a shoe box or small container which will be used during the sequence to house a pebble.

Synopsis of Text:

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 her brothers. About the war. Pebble always listens to her stories and smiles when she feels afraid. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna understands that he needs Pebble even more than she does . . .

Text rationale:

A beautifully illustrated story of friendship and kindness in uncertain time, Lubna and Pebble subtly addresses the refugee crisis in a manner accessible to young children.  A touching and heart-warming tale, it explores the experience of Lubna, arriving in a “World of Tents”, missing her family back home in an unnamed, war-torn country and the friendships she forms.  This is a story with powerful PSHE links to seeking comfort in uncertainty, generosity of spirit and selfless acts of friendship.  Wendy Meddour is an award-winning author and children may enjoy reading some of her other titles which explore the often-confusing world through the eyes of a young child. 

Links and themes:

Hope, friendship, kindness, refugees, safety, special items

Date written: December 2023