In this story narrated by a father to his daughter, the stability of stones becomes a metaphor for ever-present and enduring love. He wishes he were a stone and speaks eloquently of their value: They don't need anything to be happy; they're useful for building everything from pyramids to skyscrapers; they can be so handsome that they're admired and treasured; when smoothed, they feel glorious beneath our feet on the beach.
But he makes it clear that the most important reason to be a stone is that:
"A pebble would fit snugly in your
pocket, between a tissue and a candy.
"A pebble that you wouldn't always notice
but that would always be with you."
Parisian illustrator Fred Benaglia is artistic director at Bayard Presse overseeing children's magazines. His mixed-media art gives us views of the many vivacious lives a stone can lead, with the stone having, naturally, wide-awake eyes and a charming smile (except when it looks a bit unsure about being struck by another stone to create sparks for fire building!). He captures with equal facility the vulnerability a young girl can feel in the swirl of life and the trust that envelops her when she knows her father is near.
Author Hervé Éparvier was born and raised in Lyon, France. After working on television (sketches, short programs, cartoons), he now writes for children's literature and comics. We're grateful for his gift of conveying the security that unconditional loving presence provides.
We're also grateful to Ivy Kids Eco for creating this book from 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper and, on the book's back cover, boldly announcing to their four-to-seven-year-old readers that it's planet-friendly.
