Our Pebbles

by Jarvis

In a tenderly told story, the creator of Thank You and The Boy with Flowers in His Hair explores small moments that were once shared by a child and grandad on a pebble beach.

Grandad always knows the best way to go to Pebble Beach. As they climb the dunes, he and his grandchild can smell the sea before they see it. There they meet a seal and find old pirate wood. They have melty ice cream. And every time, before saying goodbye to the beach, they each pick a pebble. “Do you know this pebble is older than me?” Grandad says with a twinkle in his eye. In a wistful musing on memory, loss, and love, Jarvis offers a medley of moments—Grandad’s silly dance with the wiggly knees; the two of them smushing together and painting their day the best they could. With lyrical prose and gentle, sun-kissed illustrations, he shows us such memories are always there for the taking, as lasting as pebbles on the beach.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Grief, Love, Emotion

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Jarvis is an illustrator and animator who has worked as both a record jacket designer and an animation director. He lives in Manchester, England.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a boy, his grandad, adventures they had, and memories they shared.
Beautiful and sweet.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. I loved the silliness of the grandpa, and how dedicated he was to his relationship with his grandson. Having a tradition or special place just for the two of them speaks to me and the time I carved out with my own family. The illustrations were quirky and different, and I really loved the creativity they brought to a simple story about connection.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy and a grandfather spend many days at the beach collecting pebbles. Each time, they paint their adventures on them and leave them in an abandoned rowboat for them to look at again and again. When Grandad has move further away, their adventures get fewer and fewer. However, the boy continues the tradition with his mother and when they visit, he brings the new pebbles to share with him.

This is a wonderful picture book to share with children of any age. The story is poignant without being overly sad, there is a positive energy to it even though the grandfather has to move away (the reason is never specified.) The digitally created illustrations are so richly done, they are full of texture and joy (look for the sea bird and crab as you move through the book).

This book was originally published in the UK and brought to the North American market by Candlewick. While there are some typical Britishisms like the stiles that allow for people passage across private pasture lands, the story is universal. A beautiful tribute to the special relationship's children may have with older adults in their lives.

I would highly recommend this book for purchase for school and public libraries.

This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poignant picture book about a young boy's memory of hanging out with his "silly old Grandad" at Pebble Beach. No matter the weather, they would take the same route through the park, waving at trains, chatting with dogs, and climbing over a stile until they reached their destination. Once there they would explore. When it was time to go, they would look for the perfect pebbles to paint so they could leave it with other decorated pebbles on an old boat. Sometime later, when Grandad has moved away (maybe to a nursing home) and the boy is missing him, the boy's mother suggests they go to Pebble Beach. The boy knows the best way and he knows exactly what to do. He searches for pebbles. "I picked out two. One for me. One for Grandad, too." This is a beautiful story that will be especially meaningful to grandparents and grandchildren of all ages.

"'Do you know, this pebble is older than me?'
I wasn't sure if that was one of his made-up things. . . .
Granddad definitely looked older than the pebble."

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little boy and his grandfather show us their favorite way to spend the day together. They go off on an adventure - through the woods, by the train, and past the dogs -- until they come to Pebble Beach. The beach is their magical place, where they might see a seal or pretend to be pirates. Every visit, they each find a special pebble and paint it.  Their pebbles are their treasure, and they accumulate many over the years.  Eventually, granddad moves away, and can no longer visit the beach, so the boy’s mother walks with him, and the boy tells her all about their adventures. It is a very sweet story about spending time with people you love, and noticing everything around you. (To note - the child’s grandfather doesn’t die in the story.)

The illustrations are digital, but very childlike, adding to the feel that the boy is telling us a story.  Though the pictures are simple, the textures add layers to the imagery. There is a lot of white space, allowing the very colorful drawings to pop. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Pebbles is a heartwarming story of a boy and his grandfather who enjoy their walks together. Each walk culminates in the painting of a part of their excursion on a stone they each found that day. The shared appreciation of time spent together outdoors and creatively engages moves the reader and elicits empathy when the grandfather's health prevents the continuation of regular walks. The boy finds a way to maintain their pebble activity despite his grandfather's limited mobility; he later cherishes their pebble collection and the memories they hold when the pebble painting ultimately ceases. Our Pebbles honors special relationships and private traditions. I recommend this beautiful picture book wholeheartedly.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onze stenen. Door: Jarvis.

Sinds De jongen met bloemen in zijn haar ben ik fan van Jarvis. Ik werd op slag verliefd op dat boek. Daarna kan het alleen maar bergaf gaan… Of toch niet?

Onze stenen raakte me weer, ik hield het amper droog. In een paar pagina’s, met niet al te veel woorden en kriebelige maar prachtige tekeningen, weet Jarvis je te raken in je buik, hart en ziel. Is het omdat ik zelf stenen verzamel, van het strand hou, mijn oma mis? Of is het omdat hij echt een heel groot talent heeft? Beiden denk ik.

Onze stenen is een boekje dat je buik verwarmt, je ogen doet tranen en je zin geeft om naar het strand te gaan. Hét ideale vakantieboek voor jong én oud dus!

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my Achilles heel: a good, heart warming, "freeze this moment" story of a kid with his grandpa. This kind of story brings lots of memories from my childhood. We don't have a pebble beach near our place but mundane things are extraordinary moments between this kind of relationship. I'm a bit relieved that the grandpa (spoilers) did die here to drew some more emotions but the story in itself is touching and unforgettable. The artwork is perfect for the story probably this is the representation of the kids mind when he thinks about their pebble adventure with his grandpa. So I'm pretty biased to this book because I thoroughly enjoy every bit of this.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh my goodness ... sniffles ...
What a wonderful way to make memories. This child (and mom) will have such a precious way to help with grieving when grandad is not just in the nursing home but has passed.

I highly recommend that if you're lucky enough to have grandchildren, be inspired by this to find a tradition that will give them something to help them remember.

(Of course my favorite tradition is writing a letter, or even a series of letters to be opened on upcoming milestones.)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy takes a walk with his grandad to the beach and they play and collect pebbles, which they paint. This picture book by Jarvis is so delightful, it captures the joy and peace between a grandchild and grandparent, the intergenerational play perfectly drawn and written out. The digital drawings are gorgeously textured and playful, the palette capturing both the mutedness of the real world with the bright colors of fabrics, cars, and signs as these two friends traipse from home to sea. I love how endearing this story is, it evolves as all things do, and we see how humans grow and change their relationships with each other and how very much family means to all of us. A truly sweet, jolly, and touching account of learning play from a grandparent and exploring the world around us.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this ARC.

[Sarah Diaz-Bastin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author/illustrator and as a collector of polished pebbles and other seashore delights, I had to pick up this book! Charming, lyrical story of a boy and his grandfather playing and creating together. Adore the looseness and textures of the artwork.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I think kids will really enjoy the illustrations and peeking at the different rock designs (especially little rock collectors). It's also a sweet story appreciating grandfathers that would likely resonate with a lot of families.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love rocks and pebbles and stone art, this was a good focus to show the relationship of grandson and grandfather, missing and changes.

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming story celebrates the simple joys and unique connections found within a collection of ordinary pebbles. Baby Narwhal loves reading this one with her Grandpa!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet!

[Lysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars--A grandfather and grandchild visit the seashore and create memories as they create painted stones. A sweet and wistful little book.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story and a lovely tradition with grandpa.

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love rocks.

[Wanda ❣️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely in every way

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story of the relationship between a child and a grandparent.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about the relationships we cherish and the memories we make and keep. The illustrations are beautiful.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little story about a child & their grandad, and their special tradition about gathering & painting rocks they find at the beach.

When the grandad moves away, the mom continues the tradition. It shows how traditions are so special, and they become cherished memories.

The illustrations are really unique, and I think children will be drawn in.

Thank you to Candlwick Press for this gifted copy!

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable book about family, fun day at the beach, and memories!


I am such a big fan of Jarvis and so when I saw this adorable book (in Dutch) at the library I just had to bring it along! It looked too cute and fun~

In this picture book we meet up with a little boy and his grandpa! These two are going to have a wonderful day again. What kind of wonderful day? Well, these two love going to Pebble Beach and it isn’t just the destination that is special, it is also the way to it! I had great fun following them to the beach and then even more fun seeing them have the greatest of days at the beach. From wiggly dances to seals to finding pirates and pebbles. And then there is something even more special happening that had me tearing up. The boy is just so lucky to have a grandparent who he can see so often and with whom he has such a bond.

At one point things change and I was worried the boy and the grandfather wouldn’t have this moment anymore. But thankfully mom is a fabulous parent and has an idea! And yes, I was crying some more, it was just so sweet. The memories of grandfather and grandson will continue, even if there are some adjustments needed. .

Oh, and I am not sure if it is also in the OG English book, but A-Plus reference to Seabert with how both grandpa and grandchild named the seal they saw on one of their outings!

The art inside is so pretty! I love the style so much, colourful, details in all the right spots, the story really comes to life. Oh, and be sure to check out those stunning end papers! Before the before and the after.

All in all, a gorgeous book about family and pebbles and memories, I would recommend it!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/