THE BLUE PEBBLE

Written by:  Anne-Gaelle Balpe  and Translated by Kathryn Bishop

 Illustrated by:  Eve Tharlet

 Published by:    This edition published in 2011 by Michael Neugebauer Publishing Ltd Hong Kong.  Amazon has it published in May 2019.

Ages:    5 – 7 years

Theme:   believing in one-self, thinking ahead, sharing, treasures

Opening Lines:  Ali held a blue pebble in his arms.  He had found it under a daisy and decided to keep it.  It wasn’t quite round or square. But Oli had never seen a blue colour quite like it before.

Synopsis:   A little boy elf finds a very special stone and while out walking a boar, a wolf and three playful elves tell him it is useless because of it size and colour and to throw it away.  But Oli thinks it will come in handy and when he comes across a young girl crying holding her rag doll, Oli realizes he was right all along and that his pebble is special.

 Why I like this:  This story is in some way similar to a rough draft I wrote some time ago.  Just by the cover you can tell how special the pebble is to Oli and he’s dreaming of what he might do with it.  The cover begs you to take a peek to see what Oli will do with the pretty pebble and the characters he comes across.  I love the refrain of “Oli said nothing.”  Implying -his courage, stubborn, and earnest stance, as he walks away after being told to throw the pebble away. Even his face and chin is slightly upturned with his arm across the oversize pebble.  So cute! He appears to be a very shy little fella at first.  Interesting that the last line gives the impression that this could be a series, with little Oli.  I loved the soft blue and green hues by Eve and the adorable expressions on Oli’s face.  I was drawn to this book and I’ve had it at home for a few weeks and even extended the time from the local library with it, I just so loved this. It has such beautiful heart.

Resources/Findings:

Creative ideas for stones if you are collector….  https://www.pinterest.nz/t95lli/craft-creative-stones/

A little about the author and other works she does….     http://annegaellebalpe.blogspot.com/    If it is not in English there is a translation button to press which you can then set to any language you wish.

I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you.  If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers.  Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.