Room on our Rock
Authors: Kate & Jol Temple
Illustrator: Terri Rose Baynton
Published September, 2019 by Kane Miller Press
Summary: Two seals are perched on a rock. When others need shelter, do they share it? Room on Our Rock celebrates the truth that there are two sides to every story. This clever picture book has one story that can be read two different ways.
There are two ways to read this story. When read from front to back, the seals believe there is definitely no room on their rock for others. But when the book is read from back to front, the seals welcome others to shelter on their rock. A heartwarming story about sharing and compassion.
Praise:
Review: I loved the idea of a book that can be read front to back or back to front with two very different messages. I remember a poem that I read when I was younger that did this (what was it called?! Do you know??), and the craft that it would take to create this, specifically well done and beautifully, is just mind blowing to me. On top of that the story and message of Room on our Rock is just so special.
Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: The discussions that teachers will be able to have with students about this book will be deep and poignant. Then students can have the opportunity to try to create their own front and back stories.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the message if you read the book forward? Backward?
- What do you think the author’s purpose was in making two stories in one?
- What is the author trying to teach the reader?
- Has there been a time when you made sure to make space for someone that needed it?
Flagged Passages:
Read This If You Love: Fiction animal stories, Books that teach a lesson, Cleverly written books
Recommended For:
**Thank you to Kane Miller Press for providing a copy for review!!**