The One with the Scraggly Beard One with the Scraggly Beard

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.

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.

Kelly Nakatsuka is a former CBC broadcaster and journalist who spends his time these days as a father, husband, concert promoter and counseling therapist in Victoria, British Columbia. Kelly loves living and working on the West Coast and is honored and humbled to call the unceded Traditional Territories of the Lekwungen- and Hul’qumi’num-speaking Peoples his home.

• BC Books for BC SchoolsCommended 2021
• CCBC Best Books for Kids & TeensCommended 2021
• Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young PeopleCommended 2021
• Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Shining WillowNominated 2021

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.