Old Rock (is not boring)

PreS-Gr 2–Rocks aren’t generally known for being the life of the party. In fact, they just kind of sit around and do nothing. Or do they? Old Rock lives in a clearing in a beautiful pine forest where he enjoys the company of his friends: Hummingbird, Tall Pine, and Spotted Beetle. They feel sorry for Old Rock because he doesn’t get to go anywhere or see anything. Old Rock tells them that he has had experiences. For example, he erupted out of a volcano, somersaulted down a mountain, and even hung out with the dinosaurs. When glaciers formed in the Ice Age, Old Rock rode one far and wide. His friends begin to wish they had done those things. This is a wonderful story about mistaken assumptions, and taking the time to listen to a variety of perspectives and experiences. The author has cleverly traced the development of Earth through Old Rock’s remarkable reminiscences. Part scientific history, part storytelling, Old Rock is content with his lot in life, and Old Rock is not boring! That’s a good message for all readers. The art is created with casein paint with a bit of digital manipulation.