Rhoda's Rock Hunt

Repetition and careful word choice (easy to decode and familiar) make this a picture book to share or read independently.... Rock collectors will smile at her cairns and will be better able to leave behind beloved rocks.

In a quietly perceptive story, when gawky Rhoda joins her outdoorsy Auntie Jane and Uncle Jonah (and a delighted dog) on a camping trip, the trail gets rocky in more ways than one. But for a rock-lover like Rhoda, this is generally a good thing: "Rhoda found jagged rocks and bumpy rocks in that forest and one with tiny sparkly bits that glinted in the dappled sunlight." Bell (When a Grandpa Says "I Love You") gives her cast simple, expressive features, while mint and emerald greens combine with earthy brown hatch marks to create a tranquil landscape. Although Rhoda is "tired and dirty and hungry on the last day of the trip," the Big Lake offers exciting treasures to add to her collection, until her pack is too heavy to move. Rhoda attempts to redistribute the wealth into her pockets (they sag comically), but realizes that most of the rocks must stay behind. The resolution that she arrives at independently (building cairns) speaks to the importance of memories over materials, a message Griffin delivers with a light touch. Ages 3-7. Illustrator's agency: Shannon Associates. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 1--When Rhoda goes with Auntie June, Uncle Jonah, and their perky little dog on a "long, long hike from their up-north cabin," her aunt is interested in photographing birds; her uncle in camping; and the dog in adventure and exploring. But Rhoda is a rock hunter. Everywhere they go, she finds rocks--near the lake, on the forest path, in a rushing stream, and, especially, on the beach beside the Big Lake. Rhoda picks up smooth, striped, and sparkly rocks; colored rocks and plain rocks; rocks that fit perfectly into her hand, and others with all sorts of shapes. Finally, with her small backpack so loaded she cannot lift it, the child must decide what to do with her multitude of treasures. Bell's cartoon illustrations bring this simple story to life. Scenes of woods, lakes, beaches, and boulder-edged stream offer a somewhat inviting glimpse of hiking and camping with a charming freckle-faced little girl who loses herself in the part of nature she likes best.--Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker Public Library, OH