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Ren's Pencil
A Picture Book
Brief Description
A beautifully illustrated tale of immigration and imagination, about the struggle to fit into a new place, make new friends, and see yourself in new stories—from Bo Lu, the author-illustrator of Bao’s DollWhen her family moves to a new country, Ren is heartbroken to leave Popo...
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Format: Hardback
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Ren's Pencil
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See moreRen, heartbroken by her family's move to a new country, uses a pencil gifted by her beloved grandmother to bring to life what she cannot express in words, discovering a way to bridge her two worlds.
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Description
A beautifully illustrated tale of immigration and imagination, about the struggle to fit into a new place, make new friends, and see yourself in new stories—from Bo Lu, the author-illustrator of Bao’s Doll
When her family moves to a new country, Ren is heartbroken to leave Popo and her magical stories behind. In her new home, nothing feels familiar—until Ren discovers that, with her pencil, she can bring to life what she can’t find the words to say. Through drawing, she bridges the gap between her two worlds and transforms her loneliness into a meaningful connection.
Inspired by the childhood experiences of author-illustrator Bo Lu, this heartfelt picture book is a celebration of resilience, friendship, and finding a sense of belonging through art and storytelling.
Also available:
Bao’s Doll
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781419769221
Publisher: Abrams
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 05 March 2026
Country: United States
Imprint: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Illustration: Full-color illustrations throughout
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 216.0mm
Height: 273.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 40
About the Author
Bo Lu moved from the bustling streets of Taipei to the quiet suburbs of Kansas as a little girl, knowing just three English words: Apple, Banana, and so-so. Before she could express herself in English, her drawings became the bridge between her two worlds. She now lives in San Mateo with her husband and their two daughters. Her debut book, Bao’s Doll, won an Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Honor and tells the story of a girl who, after stealing a doll, creates one that ultimately becomes the bridge connecting her and her immigrant mother.
Also by Bo Lu
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Bao's Doll
Whenever Mama says, "when I was a little girl in Taiwan, we had nothing," Bao stops listening. Mama does not understand Bao, and Bao certainly does not understand Mama. So when Bao desperately wants a doll—specifically, the beautiful, blonde All-American Artist Amanda doll that everyone else has—Bao takes matters into her own hands and steals Amanda from the store. After...Hardback$3499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
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