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Wednesday, December 18, 2024

This Rock is Mine! Written by Kaye Umansky and illustrated by Alice McKinley. Peachtree Publishing. Penguin Random House. 2023. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 


"That rock's not right. 

That rock's all wrong. 

We should have known it 
all along.

In anticipation of some of the arguments that could happen with the arrival of Santa's gifts on Christmas Day, I thought I would tell you about this book concerning ownership. Both frogs living on the same rock think it belongs to only one of them; neither knows that, on the other side of a bank of reeds, lives the other. It's snoring that wakes them to this delicate situation. 

One is quick to make a case for the belief that the rock is his. 

"I'm always here
    come rain or shine. 
             I saw it first. 
                    It suits me fine. 
                             This rock is mine!

The interloper begs to differ. He has an equally legitimate belief in who is the real owner. You will know where this is going, I'm quite sure. The conversation goes back and forth; each has perfectly good reasons for believing what is true to them. It appears there will be no end to the arguing. That is ... until a long-billed heron, alert to the noise emanating from the rock, shows a distinct interest in frogs for lunch. 

The rock is abandoned. The choice clear. Finally, they are in agreement. Finding another rock is sure to be the best solution for both of them. Will they find a new abode, and agree to make it theirs

Amusing in all the right places, and absolutely a delight to read due to the exceptional rhyming text, young listeners will be engaged from beginning to end. They will be privy to this type of argument, and the need for resolution. Mixed media digital images capture the humor, the dramatic personalities, and the pure enjoyment that makes it a book that can be read again and again. It would be perfect as a paired share for two voices between two emerging readers.
                                                                                  



                                                                          

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