This Rock Is Mine!

by Kaye Umansky, Alice McKinley (Illustrator)

Overview

Friendship wins the day in this heartwarming quarrel between two hilariously stubborn frogs.

Two frogs find an ordinary little rock. It’s the perfect place to stretch their legs! But both frogs think it's their rock—and they really don’t want to share. So what do they do? Why, make a huge fuss and start an uproarious squabble of course! Uh-oh. They’ve caused such a scene, that here comes a hungry heron. Perhaps they should put their differences aside and find a new rock…together?

Jubilant rhyme makes for a witty read aloud in this gleefully illustrated showdown. A lovely reminder on resolving disagreements respectfully, especially for little ones heading back to school or those that are fond of shouting, "Mine!"

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781682637463
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	10/15/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.18(w) x 11.15(h) x 0.38(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Kaye Umansky is a former primary school teacher specializing in music and drama. Now a full time children's book author and poet, she is the award-winning creator of the bestselling Pongwiffy series and has authored many books for young readers. She lives with her family in London.

Alice McKinley received an MA in children's picture book illustration from the Cambridge School of Arts and has worked as a children's book designer, before pursuing her dream to become an author and illustrator. Her first book, Nine Lives Newton, received wide acclaim. She lives with her family in Brighton.

Editorial Reviews

"Kids will be saying ‘Mine!’ about this delightful story that really rocks."—Kirkus Reviews

"Young readers will be drawn in by the familiar push and pull of being asked to split something and fighting the request, but by the final page they'll get to see just how lovely things can turn out when you finally decide to share."—Booklist
 
"An entertaining read-aloud on the merits of sharing."—The Horn Book

From the Publisher

2024-07-19
Two frogs have a big disagreement over the ownership of a small rock in the middle of a pond.

One frog, comfortably ensconced in its own space, hears snores and, parting tall strands of grasses, discovers another frog lazing on the other side. Frog Numero Uno angrily confronts the interloper, announcing, “This rock is mine!” The second frog huffily responds to assert ownership, pointing to its belongings. Each frog refuses to budge, and they almost come to blows. Suddenly, a huge shadow looms overhead—one with a menacing beak and pointy talons. It’s a heron! Terror-stricken, both frogs realize that this isn’t the time to bicker over real estate. They escape their would-be predator by jumping into the water. When the heron overtakes their former rocky domain, the amphibious pair, now safely hidden, decide the home they’d once vigorously argued over really wasn’t that great after all and find a “perfect” new rock to live on—together. This comical U.K. import, told in rollicking rhyme that bounces along as effortlessly as any frog, will engage readers while delivering an excellent message about friendships forged through cooperation. Children will relate to the frogs' “It’s mine!” protestations. Dominated by hues of blue and green, the mixed-media and digital illustrations capture the humorous proceedings, the frogs’ very expressive personalities, and their lush, watery environment. The frogs’ dialogue is set in different fonts, incorporated into the artwork.

Kids will be saying “Mine!” about this delightful story that really rocks.(Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews