Review by Booklist Review
A story full of conflict, problem-solving, and rhyme, This Rock Is Mine follows two frogs trying to spend a relaxing day on the titular rock that each believes is his own private property. Their blustery banter, each trying to prove they have the truer claim to the rock, is interrupted by a large bird that needs no words to claim the rock as its own. Suddenly united by their eviction, the two frogs realize that collaboration can lead to companionship. The illustrations, with their jewel-tone color palette, make the frogs' simple marsh home seem magical, and thus the stakes of claiming the rock seem higher. 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.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
Two headstrong frogs battle it out for sole proprietorship of their favorite rock. A long-legged green frog fishes on its side of the rock, while on the other side a paler, squatter frog naps. When they become aware of each other, an argument ensues. They defend their ownership in back-and-forth rhymes. "This is MY rock! / See over there? / My orange towel, / my folding chair. / My flask of tea. / My underwear. / This rock is MINE." A large blue heron watches the two flailing about and swoops in for a snack, sending the pair diving into the water. Frog and Frog are united by this close call and decide to search for a new rock together. The mixed-media and digital illustrations feature blues and greens, befitting a pond or bog. Both frogs sport colorful swimsuits -- a playful detail in a story bursting with silliness. A lucky pink worm, originally destined to be fishing bait, escapes in the early chaos and is one of several creatures that can be found on each page (a bonus seek-and-find for curious readers). An entertaining read-aloud on the merits of sharing. Hill SaxtonSeptember/October 2024 p.63 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
