Ren’s Pencil
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.
Published by Abrams Books
Available February 3, 2026
Barnes and Noble Bookshop
Amazon
Signed copies at local indies:
Mrs Dalloways OnWaverly
A deft combination of the quotidian and fantastical transforms immigration challenges into a healing creative journey.
—Kirkus
Tender and dreamlike.
—Shelf Awareness
In this imagination-awakening, sympathetic picture book about homesickness and becoming your own heroine.
—Forward Reviews
A special gift opens the door to new bonds in Lu’s uplifting tale about the reality-changing power of imagination.
—Publisher’s Weekly