Oct. 7th, 2009

darchildre: a candle in the dark.  text:  "a light in dark places". (Default)
This week's Picture Book You Should Read is Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter Parnall.


Not just any rock. I mean a special rock that you find yourself and keep as long as you can - maybe forever.

Last week, I got my leather coat out of the closet for the first time since spring. And, as everyone knows, one of the chief joys of wearing a coat that you haven't worn in a long time is finding the things you left in the pockets. Old movie ticket stubs. A handkerchief (I use them to clean my glasses, so it's not as gross as it sounds). A bouncy ball (great when you're waiting in line). A piece of string. And my rock.

My rock stays in my right-hand pocket. I found it years ago on the Point No Point beach and it's worn smooth as water. It's green with black spots and white streaks and it has a place that's perfect for my thumb to rub against. It's my rock and it feels good in my hand.

And that's why you should read this book. Oh, I can tell you to read it because the language is lovely. (The thing to remember about shapes is this: Any rock looks good with a hundred other rocks around it on a hill. But if your rock is going to be special it should look good by itself in the bathtub.) And I can tell you to read it because I love Peter Parnall's illustrations and seriously, I'm sorry that the only picture I can find is an image of the cover because the artwork is just gorgeous. Those things are true and they are good reasons to pick this book up.

But really, you should read it because everyone does need a rock. So you should read this book. And then you should go find yours.

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darchildre: a candle in the dark.  text:  "a light in dark places". (Default)
Renfield

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