The One with the Scraggly Beard

by Elizabeth Withey, Lynn Scurfield (Illustrator)

Overview

A child tries to understand the life of a man he has seen sleeping under a bridge.

The boy’s mother patiently answers his questions and explains how people’s life paths can be so different. The child observes the things he has in common with the man and wonders where his own path will lead.

The One with the Scraggly Beard is defined by a simple narrative in which a child’s curiosity and perceptiveness act as catalysts for understanding fear, suffering and resilience while exploring themes of homelessness, belonging and compassion. This unique book will speak to children and adults alike. A note from the author explains how the origin of this story is rooted in her own life.

Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer The One with the Scraggly Beard in two accessible editions. The audiobook features alternate text descriptions of images, including the cover. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459818576
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	10/13/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Lexile:	AD440L (what's this?)
File size:	5 MB
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Elizabeth Withey is a journalist, author and visual artist. She grew up in rural Saskatchewan, reading books borrowed from the Wapiti Regional Library. A former Writer in Residence at Edmonton Public Library and staff writer and columnist at the Edmonton Journal, Elizabeth is now a producer for CBC Radio and lives in Calgary. The One with the Scraggly Beard was inspired by Withey’s son’s experience meeting his uncle, who has been living on the street since 2015.

Lynn Scurfield is a freelance illustrator from a quiet suburb outside of Toronto. She received her bachelor of illustration from Sheridan College in 2015 and has been drawing for a variety of clients ever since, including Macmillian Publishers and NPR. Her work has also been commissioned by publications such as the New York Times, The Walrus and Reader’s Digest Canada.

Elizabeth Withey is a Canadian author, journalist and visual artist. Her first book, The One with the Scraggly Beard, is a story about homelessness inspired by family experiences. She lives in Calgary with her son, her brother, a calico cat and a very silly whippet.

Lynn Scurfield is a freelance illustrator from a quiet suburb outside of Toronto. She received her bachelor of illustration from Sheridan College in 2015 and has been drawing for a variety of clients ever since, including Macmillian Publishers and NPR. Her work has also been commissioned by publications such as the New York Times, The Walrus and Reader’s Digest Canada.

Editorial Reviews

This compassionate story is inspired by the life of the author’s brother, who is a person experiencing homelessness. The award-winning illustrator manages to depict aspects of homelessness as well as love and happiness.”

BC Books for Schools

[A] sensitive story of family and love…Every elementary library should have this thought provoking book on their shelves. This difficult topic of homelessness is explained well in this narrative.

Must Read Literature

A complex topic painted with care and told with empathy.

Kirkus Reviews

A powerful book…Models what respect and human dignity looks like for all community members.

Toronto Star

A wise and timely tale because young children see what is happening on our streets and wonder why. Withey’s spare text allows the little boy to fill in the spaces as he matures and develops understanding.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials