Ren's Pencil
A Picture Book
Published on 5. March 2026
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-1-4197-6922-1 (ISBN)
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, Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Honor-winning 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 award-winning 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
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 award-winning 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
Reviews / Votes
***STARRED REVIEW***"[N]uanced...beautiful...Inspired by the author's own experiences, this book deftly incorporates both the loneliness and the eventual comfort that occur whenever one faces a change in life. Dreamlike colors and soft lines enhance the whimsical nature of the storytelling...Thoughtful in both design and presentation, this lovely picture book recognizes the challenges of moving to a new place while celebrating the joy that arrives when those obstacles are overcome." * School Library Journal * "A deft combination of the quotidian and fantastical transforms immigration challenges into a healing creative journey." * Kirkus Reviews * "Lu's uplifting tale about the reality-changing power of imagination...Jewel-toned pencil, watercolor, and digital images pop from saturated indigo and forest-green backgrounds that brighten as the child finds her way in this reassuring story about drawing one's own happy outcomes." * Publishers Weekly * "Lu's picture book intimately explores an immigrant child's complicated feelings while honoring artistic expression and emphasizing how creativity can bring comfort even in difficult circumstances. The harmonious watercolor palette of pinks, blues, and purples whisks readers away into serene, enchanted landscapes...Share this with readers to inspire them to find a magic that speaks beyond words and be the hero in their own stories." * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * "With softedged, glowing pastels in a charming naive style, the sophisticated art evokes engaging worlds both real and imagined, with subtle whimsical details enhancing the magic. Inspired by the author's childhood, this tender tale celebrates imagination and the reassurance that you can always draw someplace that feels like home." * Booklist *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Abrams
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Illustrations
Full-color illustrations throughout
Dimensions
Height: 280 mm
Width: 225 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
474 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4197-6922-1 (9781419769221)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2026
Abrams Books for Young Readers
€16.49
Available for download
Person
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.