"There’s no room on our rock
So it’s ridiculous to sayThere’s space for plenty more
Shoo! Go away!"
Listeners are sure to be fascinated when this book is first read to them. It reads both forward and backward, with a message that resonates with the meaning of 'ours'. The spotted seals living on the rock are quick to challenge a different species of mother and baby newcomers with the selfish (and obviously untrue) notion that there is no room for them on 'our' rock. The family of two has been forced to find a new home after a major storm displaces them.
Reading it front-to-back shows the seals on the rock offering no place of refuge for the pair that have nowhere to go. It is hard to understand, of course. When the story ends, and is told again reading back-to-front, the message changes to a story of welcome and support. The text is exactly the same; the intent is an about-face. Wonderful!
Imagine how much fun children can have sharing and re-sharing this book. Engaging, and with a clear message, they will realize that there are 'two sides to every story'. The splendid watercolor artwork, filled with expressive characters and watery expanses, offer readers a feel for the freedom found in water as the new seals swim as close to the rock as they are allowed.
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