On My Beach There Are Many Pebbles

by Leo Lionni

Take a look. And another. And another. Are those ordinary pebbles you see, lying on an ordinary beach? Or are they hearts and gift-wrapped packages, numbers, letters, and the faces of friends? Take a look. And another.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Art

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated more than 40 highly acclaimed children's books. He received the 1984 American Institute of Graphic Arts Gold Medal and was a four-time Caldecott Honor Winner--for Inch by Inch, Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. Leo Lionni died in October of 1999 at his home in Tuscany, Italy, at the age of 89.

Leo Lionni has gained international renown for his paintings, graphic designs, illustrations, and sculpture, as well as for his books for children. He was born in Holland in 1910 of Dutch parents, and although his education did not include formal art courses (in fact, he has a doctorate in economics from the University of Genoa), he spent much of his free time as a child in Amsterdam's museums, teaching himself to draw.

Lionni's business training gradually receded into the background as his interest in art and design grew. Having settled in Milan soon after his marriage in 1931, he started off by writing about European architecture for a local magazine. It was there that he met the contacts who were to give him a start as a professional graphic designer. When he moved to America in 1939, Lionni was hired by a Philadelphia advertising agency as art director. Later he became design director for the Olivetti Corporation of America, and then art director for Fortune magazine. At the same time, his reputation as an artist flourished as he began to exhibit his paintings and drawings in galleries from New York to Japan.

Lionni launched his career as an author/illustrator of books for children in 1959. Originally developed from a story he had improvised for his grandchildren during a dull train ride, Little Blue and Little Yellow was the first of what is now a long list of children's picture books, including four Caldecott Honor Books.

Reviews

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I checked out from the public library time after time when I was a small child in the early sixties. It's a lovely, quiet book that encourages the reader to do what children naturally do -- look at common objects in a different way, like looking for cloud animals in the sky or faces in tree bark. The illustrations are done in pencil, very soothing and down-to-earth, in keeping with the subject matter. If you know a small child, if you take children out into nature, or if you simply love beautiful picture books, I highly recommend this one.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for young children to read in the car on the way to the beach.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many pebbles on the beach. All shapes and sizes. Some look like people, some look like animals, some look like numbers, and some look like letters.

I’m familiar with Leo Lionni, but I had never even heard of this book that is somewhat different from his normal animal tales. The black and white sketches of pebbles are intricate and stunning. This is a level of artistry that didn’t often get to come through in Lionni’s animal stories. It’s a simple book inviting you to look carefully at everyday objects.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book that everyone who saw it commented on (kids and adults). The pictures are so captivating, though there isn't really a "storyline" per se. My son likes to sit and look at this book, either by himself or with a friend.

[Caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple book showing that "art" can be found in any spot.
Good thinking book. Love it.

[Hannah Baumgartner]

This book is all about the pebbles on the beach. If you look closely you can see faces, letters, and more. He encourages readers to keep looking and find the treasures that ordinary pebbles have.

I thought this book was awesome because Lionni, with his child like imagination, invites readers to see the glorious pebbles on the beach. This would be a great book for children who live close to the beach or if they are visiting the beach. The illustrations and pictures are in black and white and drawn in pencil. There are many full page spreads. I love this because just like looking at the clouds, you can see faces and images. Lionni invites you to see them in pebbles on the beach.

[Yi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much can be learned from this wonderful book with gorgeous black and white drawings ... for the old and the young! Loved it!

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another book that my daughter picked out for herself ahah. It was a cute read that sparks children’s and adults imagination. It would be a cute read to take to the beach or on the way to the beach (sadly, we don’t have those near us). It has held up well over time.
We would recommend this one.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read aloud for that rocks and soil unit. Or to foster creative thinking.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about the many pebbles on a local beach.

[Newbury Town Library Youth Services · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love to comb the beaches looking for treasures, rare rocks, and perfect shells, be sure to pick up this short but highly visual treat.