This seemingly simple book tells the story of a child collector of rocks who shares their ten rules for finding and selecting a special rock as a frieThis seemingly simple book tells the story of a child collector of rocks who shares their ten rules for finding and selecting a special rock as a friend
“Not just any rock. I mean a special rock that you find yourself and keep as long as you can—maybe forever.”
The illustrations, tell another story— one that defies human understands of time, what is living and what is dead, animate and inanimate, human and rock.
The two stories together invite readers to imagine the possibilities of be-friending, playing and building a friendship with a rock. A relationship that may continue long after our human lives end.
A beautiful poem about growing up and out, memory, and belonging. The poem is illustrated with stunning images and portraits showing subtle human emotA beautiful poem about growing up and out, memory, and belonging. The poem is illustrated with stunning images and portraits showing subtle human emotion
I could see this book being used as a mentor text for writing poetry, not rhyming poetry for younger readers but poems that construct moments and emotions in stanzas, perhaps for late elementary, middle school or high school and adult writers.
A rare story about mushroom foraging with a child narrator. I value the focus on four seasons for four different mushrooms. I also was captured by howA rare story about mushroom foraging with a child narrator. I value the focus on four seasons for four different mushrooms. I also was captured by how the dog was also presented as a character, a necessary companion on the hunt
“The Mother gave us patience, stronger than our hunger, stronger than our thirst.”
I enjoyed the slow,From “The Seeds Speak” (poem that opens the book)
“The Mother gave us patience, stronger than our hunger, stronger than our thirst.”
I enjoyed the slow, reflective pace of this book. It presents gardening and farming, living and relationship-building as practices of waiting that are generous when honored.
Farming, gardening, and healing cannot be rushed and must sometimes wait generations to bear fruit.
On a very practical note, this book has re-inspired me to try out seed collecting and keeping in my own garden. I currently have many kale plants going to seed. I want to save the seeds for replanting next year.
“The trees and the girls grow up together. Mothers and daughters take care of the trees. At the end of the summer, girls tie sacred threads around the“The trees and the girls grow up together. Mothers and daughters take care of the trees. At the end of the summer, girls tie sacred threads around the trunks to renew their bonds with them.”
I was moved by the healing power of trees that is showcased in this book. Trees are presented as a healing force for individuals and a culture as whole