Our Pebbles

“A colourful, almost tangibly joyful picture book about a boy, his grandad and their days on the beach, painting pebbles to mark treasured memories.” Guardian

“A heartwarming story of connection, illustrated with Jarvis’s usual flair.” The Irish Times

With sweets stuffed in their pockets, a boy and his grandad take the trip down to the beach: through the wonky woods, across the railway track – stopping for a chat with the spotty dogs! – over the stile, and there … peeking out beyond the dunes, the sea and “their” beach. They pick pebbles, wash them clean in the waves and paint their memories from the day, placing them in a special place – a secret place.

Jarvis captures the kind of golden childhood memory that you carry with you, as comforting as holding a warm, smooth pebble in your hand. And when life changes, and people change, these pebbles stay with you always.

Author Biography

Jarvis is the author of many books for children. His illustrated fiction series, Bear and Bird, follows the funny mix-ups and comic misunderstandings between a pair of best friends and has been published into 16 different territories. His picture books include Thank You, Mr Santa, The Boy with Flowers in His Hair, which won the 2023 Oscar’s Book Prize and the Indies Book Prize, and Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, which won the V&A Best Illustrated Book. He is also the illustrator of the Pick a Pine Tree, Pick a Pumpkin and Pick a Perfect Egg series written by Patricia Toht. Jarvis lives in Manchester with his wife and their dog Milo. Find him on Instagram at: @JarvisPictureBooks.