The story of The Perfect Rock was so-so for me. However, the illustrations of Sarah Nobel made the book well, almost perfect. Nobrow Press really has some fun, informative, interesting, and cute reads.
Nobel’s story deals with sibling rivalry and family. The publisher description says independence as well, but I really did not see that. I did see how three otter siblings realize that while they need the perfect rock, they do not want one that causes them to argue, to fight and not be friends. Therefore, the perfect rock they found, and all want, was not perfect after all. With a bit of fact tossed in about otters, this fiction story is a sweet bedtime or really, anytime story.
Now, the story was not for me, but I know there are people who will love this book. And it is a good book. Just not “my book.” But it is “my type of artwork.” The colors are bright, happy, calming, and active all at once. There is much in the way of details, and in fact, after each read you might find something new. It is not necessarily overwhelming, but there is a lot that is clever. You can read the story via them. They are familiar yet allow you to find a world you might not be familiar with (unless you are an otter, or have studied them).
I loved how the colors make the story comfortable and safe. Even when there is a bad storm, and the colors and images are less “friendly” they are not dark. It is a feel-good book that lends itself to wanting to read it again. While it might work best for ages four and up, but it is an all ages book.
