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. Available in French as L’Homme à la barbe hirsute.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459842090
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	03/11/2025
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.12(d)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

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 whose work is defined by bright colors, fun textures and strong emotions. Their work has been commissioned by clients such as the New York Times, the Walrus, NPR and Macmillian Publishers. In their spare time, Lynn enjoys knitting, watching tours of beautiful houses online and going on hikes with Taro, her small (but barky) dog. Lynn resides in Toronto.

Editorial Reviews

[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

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 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

2020-06-03
A boy seeks connections with his uncle, who’s experiencing homelessness.

In the first double-page spread, a boy and his mother shake a colorful quilt that, on the opposite page, transforms into water flowing by a bridge where a man sleeps. The boy calls him the “One With the Scraggly Beard.” This visual connection carries through the boy’s questions to his mother about this man, his uncle, and how he looks and lives. The boy worries one day he will be like his uncle, because of what they share in common: pockets full of treasures, a missing tooth, even a fear of the dark. His mother reassures her anxious son, saying her brother wanted one life but ended up living another because life can contain unexpected trials. Her straightforward answers acknowledge the boy’s concerns and also humanize her brother. Later, readers see them together as a family. Lush, textured illustrations depict leafy parks where the boy and his uncle stroll, and tree-lined streets near the bridge, reminding readers of the life inside each character in this story, no matter how they live that life. The family presents white, exposure rendering the uncle’s skin browner than the others. An author’s note reveals the autobiographical origin of this story. Withey’s honest tone and simple language offer educators and caregivers empathetic ways to talk with young children about homelessness. The French version is a faithful translation, using plain language that is age-appropriate and still emotionally thoughtful.

A complex topic painted with care and told with empathy. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews