The author/illustrator again examines perspective and point of view, this time in a picture book in which the descriptors for a single stone vary depending on the stone’s relationship to another element of nature. In the sun’s shadow, the stone is dark to a mouse; in the moon’s glow, it is light to an owl. It’s rough to a slug with its slime trail, smooth to a prickly looking porcupine. With the changing seasons it shifts from green (surrounded by summer foliage), to red (covered by autumn leaves), to purple (in hazy fog) and blue (in winter light). The concepts vary from concrete to abstract (“And the stone was a blink and the stone was an age.”) in a work that encompasses the passage of time, with the stone eventually covered by a large body of water. Mixed-media illustrations convey a sense of the stone’s solid presence, of playfulness, of moodiness, and of mystery in a work, like the earlier They All Saw a Cat, that invites children to contemplate, conjecture, and discuss. (Ages 4–8)

The brilliant follow-up to the Caldecott Honor-winning and New York Times bestselling picture book They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel!

A Stone Sat Still tells the story of a seemingly ordinary rock—but to the animals that use it, it is a resting place, a kitchen, a safe haven...even an entire world.

This is a gorgeous exploration of perspective, perception, and the passage of time, with an underlying environmental message that is timely and poignant.

• Filled with stunning illustrations in cut paper, pencil, collage, and paint
• Soothing rhythms invite reading aloud and bedtime snuggles
• Introduces concepts like color, size, function, and time in a way that is easily understandable and teachable for children

With a rhythmic, calming narrative about the stone and its place in the world—and the changing environment—A Stone Sat Still proves Brendan Wenzel's mastery of the picture book form.

This modern children's classic will enchant readers in preschool and kindergarten, as well as the adults that read with them.

• A wonderful gift for teachers, librarians, and educators who are looking to teach difficult concepts like perspective and perception
• Perfect for parents and caregivers wanting to educate their kids about the environment, nature, and animals
• Great for fans of I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, as well as Wenzel's previous books They All Saw a Cat and Hello Hello