It’s been a while since I’ve done a post for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Here’s a new picture book that caught my attention. It’s creative nonfiction or possibly informational fiction—it’s hard to determine the lines these days—combining the fun of fiction with the joy of science.
And…Thanks to all who participated in the Everyday Hero Giveaway for a copy of Smelly Kelly and His Super Senses. Congratulations to the winner, Marie Karan! I hope we all continue to notice and appreciate so many whom we depend on for so much during times of difficulties.
Title: Old Rock (is not boring)
Written and Illustrated by: Deb Pilutti
Putnam, 2020, creative NF
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes/topics: stories, rocks, appearances
Opening:
Old Rock had been sitting in the same spot, at the edge of a clearing in the middle of a pine forest, for as long as anyone could remember.
And even before that.
Overview:
Old Rock has been sitting in the same spot in the pine forest for as long as anyone can remember. Spotted Beetle, Tall Pine, and Hummingbird think just sitting there must be boring, but they are in for a wonderful surprise.
Fabulous tales of adventurous travel, exotic scenery, entertaining neighbors, and more from Old Rock’s life prove it has been anything but boring.
Great storytellers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and Old Rock’s stories are sure to inspire questions that lead to wonderful conversations about the past and the natural world.
Activities and Resources:
Pick up another small bit of nature that might seem a bit boring – such as a seed, pine needle, leaf, flower, pinecone, stick, etc. Investigate how that natural object came to be and came to be where it is. Write its story from the point of view of the object or bit of nature.
Why I like this book:
Think about how often we pass something, or more importantly someONE, by and don’t consider the hidden story. Think about how appearances often give no clue as to the journey that “being” has traveled. This story gives life to a rock and lets it dispel the assumptions of the pine tree, hummingbird, and beetle that it should be unhappy with its spot on the forest floor due to its inability to go anywhere and experience anything. It turns out that the old “boring” rock has quite a story to tell. A charming and creative mix of fact and fiction!
Visit author Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books for a plethora of picture books listed by title and topic/theme, each with teacher/parent activities and resources.
Beth Anderson, Children's Writer 
I often wonder about the stories of the people I pass. What was school like when she was a child? Who was his best friend? How did his family celebrate his birthday? And like the book you reviewed today, I also wonder if rocks and trees could talk, what events in history did they witness? I have a feeling I’m going to love, love, love this book. Thank you for sharing it today.
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I know – if only trees and everything else could talk. And so many people who go unnoticed probably have really special stories to tell. Thanks for you comments! I liked the book on the level of rocks and science, but it also made me think about people.
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On the surface, this book reminds me of A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel, where we see the world making it’s mark on stone. I often think that this is why people study paleontology or geology, just to unravel the history that’s “set in stone.”
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placed a hold – thanks!
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Beth, great review. I love the overview description and Jilanne’s comparison to A Stone Sat Still. What a great combination to read together. I often think about this when I look at the Magestic Cedar trees or Redwoods and wonder what they’ve seen throughout their lifetimes. Thank you for highlighting this book.
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I feel like I won the lottery when I saw that my library has this book. With all that’s going on, our library just reopened. They say some of the 2020 purchases are just getting into circulation! Thanks for your posts. Looking forward to reading this one.
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I think libraries haven’t been so appreciated in a long time! Enjoy!
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Delightful story. It will encourage many interesting discussions. Got me thinking about what I overlook or make assumptions about. Thanks for sharing!
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