Jayden Noticed

by Carolyn Crimi, Shamar Knight-Justice (Illustrator)

"This picture book is a gem!" —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

With the help of a rock he’s collected, a child moving to a new house learns to embrace change and make a like-minded friend in this story celebrating our most thoughtful little observers.

Jayden notices everything. He notices the way the moon looks different every night as it peeks through the oak tree. He notices spiderweb wheels and egg freckles, mouse paws and rose petals. But most of all, Jayden notices rocks. Jayden collects a rock to go with everything: a homework rock, a Saturday rock, even enough wishing rocks to fill up a jar. But now that he and his family have moved to a different house, where the trees are too short, the color is off, and the mailbox is in the wrong place, will he find a rock to grant him courage—and help him make a new friend, maybe even a noticer like him? In a tender story for curious and observant little readers, Carolyn Crimi’s text joins with Shamar Knight-Justice’s expressive illustrations in a tale that offers comfort in the face of life’s many changes.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Carolyn Crimi, AKA the Pirate Queen, is the author of numerous books for young readers, including BORIS AND BELLA, illustrated by Gris Grimly. Of HENRY AND THE BUCCANEER BUNNIES, she says, "While I don't have long floppy ears or a pro-nounced overbite, Henry and I are kindred spirits, who love books and carrots!"

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noticer. Isn’t that a great word? I stumbled across it earlier this year and it stuck with me. To find it here in the pages of this book felt like kismet to me.

Jayden is a noticer. He notices spider webs, trees, and the moon. His favorite things to notice are rocks though. From thinking rocks to wishing rocks! Jayden notices them all. Maybe a wishing rock will help him with a big move in his life. But I think it’ll be his sweetness and courage that help him with his new home the most. Along with the wishing rock, of course.

I loved this kid! Jayden’s story has such a wonderful mix of relatable grounded-ness and magic. You’ll see it and feel it! I did. And believe me, it’s been tough these past couple of months. Nothing has been able to crack my numb, hardened heart until this little gem came along. The words and art capture the reassuring message and emotion perfectly. Especially Jayden’s face! The last smile was my favorite. Made me want to go out and get a wishing jar and skip rocks and look up at the moon every chance I get.

A must read in my book. I’ll be holding this book close to my heart for a long time.

Highly recommended.

[This Kooky Wildflower Loves a Little Tea and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely letter to the small and curious. Keep noticing. Keep wishing. Keep dreaming.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of a family who moves from one home to another in a location that appears different in many ways to a young boy. As Jayden packs his beloved rock collection to take along on the move, he wonders.

When he arrives he finds a new rock that has a lovely shiny streak in it. Soon after he finds a new friend.

A lovely story of adjusting to changes in locations and discovering new friends.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review of my own opinions which are freely given.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I liked the story and felt like it was talking about alot of things in a very simple way. Jayden notices things and when he moves to a new home, all the things he used to notice are all different. He wonderful who will notice all the things he left behind. He collects rocks to help him with his feelings, and he meets another kid who notices bugs. The only bit I didn't like was the images. they were too chunky and computer generated for me. But the story is a great one.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without meaning to, I read two books in a row about children moving and their sadness surrounding the move. Both are wonderful!

Jayden loves his neighborhood. He is very observant and notices all the perfect little details of his neighborhood. He makes wishes on rocks and hopes to find a new friend.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jaden was a noticer, and a worrier, and a quiet sort of kid who struggles when his family moves to a new house. He uses his noticing skills and interest in rocks as talismans for his wishes. The art is cute and the story is nice.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet little picture book about a quiet, observant boy and how he makes a new friend after a move.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I really, really like this one. :)

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Egg freckles, tiny ladybugs, and finding ways to ease the process of adapting. I enjoyed this story and appreciate Jayden.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3-year-old grandson loves this friendship story about a little boy who moves to a new home, collects rocks, and notices the unique things around him. It’s fun to read!

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock collectors

[Sara Shacter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this charming tale about a boy whose thoughtfulness and optimism help him to adapt. Maybe I'll start my own wishing jar!

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me 🤝 picture books about rocks

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A celebration of close looking and making new friends

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! Great book on moving, changing, noticing, wishing and dreaming!