Rock

Bullied and beaten down, Rock by Laurel Croza and Matt James asks readers to believe in themselves.

On the beach a rock sits until a nasty seagull comes and tries to eat it, thinking it is food. The seagull then proceeds to tear the rock down, explaining that it is not that special, in fact it is insignificant. A child on the beach spots the rock and knows that it is destined for greatness.

Laurel Croza has created this beautiful story about staying true to oneself. It’s a story not just about seeing the beauty in small things but it is also a story of how words can be hurtful and cutting and inflict just as much pain as physical wounds. I love how the rock continues to insist, throughout the whole story, that it is a rock. No matter what the seagull says, the rock continues to insist. It’s a wonderful lesson for readers to know that what other people say, does not define you. You define you!

I love how so many readers will be able to connect to this story. Not just the bullying angle but also just the joy of finding treasures on the beach on a warm sunny day. Many a trip to the beach has happened where we didn’t come home with a few treasures ourselves and also leaving behind a few sculptures for others to enjoy.

Matt James’ illustrations make this book soar. His gorgeous acrylic and ink paintings with larger than life characters jump right off the page and right into readers’ hearts. The story is absolutely stunning and will remind readers of their own trips to the beach, hunting for treasures and leaving treasures behind for others.