Klassen, Jon. Rock From the Sky, The. Jon Klassen, Illus. Picture Book. Candlewick, 04/2021. [96]pp. $18.99. 978-1-5362-1562-5. OUTSTANDING. GRADES PRE-3.
Five chapters comprise this long form picture book, and the events appear to take place in the space of a day. Turtle, Armadillo, Snake, and a one-eyed alien all make appearances in the various chapters. In chapter one, “The Rock,” Turtle touts the superiority of his particular spot to Armadillo. Afterwards, the reader is shown a huge boulder hurtling down from the sky, seemingly towards Turtle and his favorite spot. Turtle moves to Armadillo’s spot to tell Armadillo and Snake that his spot is better. On the next page the rock lands in Turtle’s spot. Klassen’s droll humor pervades the book, urging the reader to peruse the pictures and text. The digitally rendered illustrations are done in subdued earth tone watercolors. Each animal wears a hat and has expressive eyes. The dead-pan humor combined with the muted color palate makes this a compulsive read.
Yesica Hurd, San Francisco PL