The Wishing Stone

Written by: Steve Smallman

Illustrated by: Rebecca Elliott

Published by: QED Publishing (January 7, 2010)

Ages:   4 – 6 years

Theme:  Friendship, bravery, lonely

Opening Lines: Armadillo lived in the swamp. He was lonely and wished that he could find a friend.

Synopsis: Shy Armadillo always curled up into a ball when anyone came near him. He wished he could have a friend. When he overheard Mouse, Monkey and Flamingo playing and making wishes while sitting on his back, he decided to grant their wishes himself during the dark of night when no one is around. It is only when Armadillo leaves bugs for Flamingo’s wish that the trio discover the unusual stone they thought made wishes come true is actually a living animal, and so an unlikely friendship is born.

Why I like this: A sweet story of friendship and bravery. I loved when Mouse is sitting on the so-called stone watching the others play in the river and wishes he had a paddling pool. Unbeknown to them Armadillo is the stone Mouse is sitting on and he decides to help Mouse out. During the night he digs a small paddling pool for him. They all think the next day that the stone must be a wishing stone so next Monkey makes a wish which is granted the next day. When Flamingo grants a wish but is not what they expected they realise the stone is not a wishing stone. They realise that Armadillo was trying to please them and in doing so they become friends. I loved this feel good story written in prose. It also has a refrain worked in three.   This lovely story is complimented by beautiful illustrations.   There is also a teachers note/guide in the back page.

Resources/Findings: There are some lessons or teachers guide in the back pages of this book.

Cool insect and bug facts on this website….  http://a2zhomeschooling.com/explore/biology_kids/animals-biology_kids/bugs_insects_kids/insects_bugs_kids/

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view.  So pop over  and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.    Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.