• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 3 to 5

Key Selling Points

• A young child observes a man sleeping under a bridge and asks his mother questions about how he got there and why.
• This book examines homelessness and poverty with compassion and an empathetic, nonjudgmental point of view, offering a learning opportunity for kids and adults.
• This is a true story based on the author’s personal experience of an ongoing family situation.
• The author is also a journalist who is interested in social issues and human-interest stories.
• The illustrator has been recognized by the National Magazine Awards and was the winner of Creative Quarterly. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, The Walrus, The Globe & Mail, Image Comics and in many other publications.

Elizabeth Withey est à la fois journaliste, autrice et artiste en arts visuels. Elle a passé son enfance à la campagne en Saskatchewan à lire des livres empruntés à la bibliothèque régionale de Wapiti. Elle a été autrice en résidence à la bibliothèque municipale d’Edmonton, ainsi que journaliste et chroniqueuse à l’Edmonton Journal. Établie à Calgary, Elizabeth est productrice à CBC Radio. L’Homme à la barbe hirsute s’inspire des réactions de son fils après avoir aperçu son oncle qui vit dans la rue depuis 2015.

Elizabeth Withey's profile page

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.

Lynn Scurfield's profile page

• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• Short-listed, Shining Willow Award
• Nominated, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Shining Willow
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, Notable Social Studies Trade Book
• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

“A complex topic painted with care and told with empathy.”

Kirkus 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 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

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

Toronto Star