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What Can You Do with a Rock?
From award-winning author Pat Zietlow Miller, a timeless story about creativity, exploration, and friendship What can you do with a rock? You can skip them. You can sort them. Best of all, you can share them. Rocks are simple, but the things you can do with them are endless. Rocks can build, sparkle, and tell a story. They can be memories. They can even be a little bit magic. This ode to curiosity and creative play from New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller and acclaimed illustrator Katie Kath is bound to inspire.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 12, 2021
1 person is currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Pat Zietlow Miller
30 books250 followersPat Zietlow Miller knew she wanted to be a writer ever since her seventh-grade English teacher read her paper about square-dancing skirts out loud in class and said: “This is the first time anything a student has written has given me chills.” (Thanks, Mrs. Mueller! You rock!)
Pat started out as a newspaper reporter and wrote about everything from dartball and deer-hunting to diets and decoupage. Then, she joined an insurance company and edited its newsletter and magazine.
Now, she writes insurance information by day and children’s books by night. She has 11 picture books available and 12 more that will be coming out in the next few years.
Her books in print are: SOPHIE’S SQUASH, WHEREVER YOU GO, SHARING THE BREAD, THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE, SOPHIE'S SQUASH GO TO SCHOOL, WIDE-AWAKE BEAR, LORETTA'S GIFT, BE KIND, REMARKABLY YOU, MY BROTHER THE DUCK and WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE.
Pat has one wonderful husband, two delightful daughters and two pampered cats. She doesn’t watch much TV, but she does love "Chopped." Pat lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
Pat started out as a newspaper reporter and wrote about everything from dartball and deer-hunting to diets and decoupage. Then, she joined an insurance company and edited its newsletter and magazine.
Now, she writes insurance information by day and children’s books by night. She has 11 picture books available and 12 more that will be coming out in the next few years.
Her books in print are: SOPHIE’S SQUASH, WHEREVER YOU GO, SHARING THE BREAD, THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE, SOPHIE'S SQUASH GO TO SCHOOL, WIDE-AWAKE BEAR, LORETTA'S GIFT, BE KIND, REMARKABLY YOU, MY BROTHER THE DUCK and WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE.
Pat has one wonderful husband, two delightful daughters and two pampered cats. She doesn’t watch much TV, but she does love "Chopped." Pat lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 8, 2022
This is nice on many levels, but I also feel like the premise is something kids don't really need? At least, I hope most children are still imaginative and creative enough to come up with these ideas on their own. However, it's nice for young rockhounds to see the protagonist's love of rocks and rock collecting, and the story is entertaining. The back matter includes brief info about Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks, suggestions for organizing and collecting, suggestions for further reading, and encouragement to join a "rock group" such as Future Rockhounds of America. My six-year-old rockhound enjoyed the book.
November 1, 2021
As someone who was an avid rock collector as a kid, this book was pretty boring. Maybe a little less about how to kick rocks and the sound they make when you kick them would have helped.
January 26, 2022
A perfect story to read with my kids! They love picking up and collecting rocks in our backyard or at the park, actually anywhere we go. Thank you to Sourcebooks for a gifted copy.
January 8, 2022
Why is this so crazy good? It's a book about - literally about - playing with rocks. It's almost like a creativity exercise - Pat Zietlow Miller pulled a slip of paper out of a hat and she had the misfortune to pick "rocks" and not like dinosaurs or anxiety or snow. LOL just kidding. It's quite clear that Pat Zietlow Miller wanted to write about making your own fun, developing your own interests, looking at seemingly ordinary things from different angles, and sharing your observations with others while also making space to listen. And if she can write that book around the subject of rocks, she can write that book about anything :)
Huge props to Katie Kath, whose expressive art adds so much fun and detail to this unexpected treasure.
Huge props to Katie Kath, whose expressive art adds so much fun and detail to this unexpected treasure.
October 12, 2021
This was a cool book in that it simultaneously encourages STEM skills and art and creativity. I like all the basic rock classification/sorting ideas as well as the invitation to explore, paint rocks, skip rocks, collect rocks, categorize rocks, and share stories. Very cute--this made me want to play outside.
October 27, 2021
Rocks forever!!! As if I needed another sign to buy a rock tumbler.
February 4, 2022
I love how this one is organized. It reads beautifully, but also has "headings" that outline all of the things you can do with rocks!
July 25, 2022
Our son loves collecting rocks so this book was perfect! I love how imaginative it is. A simple, ordinary thing like a rock can give hours of entertainment.
May 31, 2022
6yo now has a truck collection and a metal detector, just like her (other) mom.
January 25, 2022
I wish look and sort had come a little before drop and kick, especially since it ends with the great comparison of people and rocks and treasure within, but that would feel a little more meaningful if it didn't feel quite so pasted on...
November 29, 2021
I wanted to like this book. I’ve been picking up rocks for six decades now, ever since I was a child. I still have jars full of them, scattered around my living space. And I thought that maybe this book would help to encourage others – of any age, really -- to appreciate rocks as much as I do. Alas! I can only hope. I won’t be handing this book off to anybody.
The text offers eight suggestions for what you can do with a rock. (An interesting brainstorming session must have come up with this number.) Unfortunately, the first three actions actually take the rock AWAY from you: “kick,” “skip,” and “drop.” Really? I wish “look at it” would have been the first option. How disrespectful, to kick something away when you first meet it! The “drop” recommendation comes with the warning, “But always look before you let go. No one wants to get hit by a rock.” A frazzled raccoon hands a dropped rock back to the recalcitrant child. Really? If I hadn’t already been annoyed by the approach, this image would have helped to seal the deal. And do we really need to “change” rocks? To paint them, to break them up, to do whatever else with them? Aren’t they unique and pretty enough to begin with? Would you tell someone to paint a tree or a squirrel, too?
Katie Kath’s illustrations are colorful and attractive. Her end papers showing sample varieties of rocks are especially nicely done. As for the text: the last two pages offer decent background information, including book references. But they include no mention of the fact that rock identification is a challenging undertaking. The rock in your hand will never quite resemble the rock pictured on any page in any guidebook. This lesson could have been one of the most useful of all. Ah, well. If only. Maybe next time. Certainly not with this book.
The text offers eight suggestions for what you can do with a rock. (An interesting brainstorming session must have come up with this number.) Unfortunately, the first three actions actually take the rock AWAY from you: “kick,” “skip,” and “drop.” Really? I wish “look at it” would have been the first option. How disrespectful, to kick something away when you first meet it! The “drop” recommendation comes with the warning, “But always look before you let go. No one wants to get hit by a rock.” A frazzled raccoon hands a dropped rock back to the recalcitrant child. Really? If I hadn’t already been annoyed by the approach, this image would have helped to seal the deal. And do we really need to “change” rocks? To paint them, to break them up, to do whatever else with them? Aren’t they unique and pretty enough to begin with? Would you tell someone to paint a tree or a squirrel, too?
Katie Kath’s illustrations are colorful and attractive. Her end papers showing sample varieties of rocks are especially nicely done. As for the text: the last two pages offer decent background information, including book references. But they include no mention of the fact that rock identification is a challenging undertaking. The rock in your hand will never quite resemble the rock pictured on any page in any guidebook. This lesson could have been one of the most useful of all. Ah, well. If only. Maybe next time. Certainly not with this book.
October 7, 2021
This is a book I would purchase for any elementary library as kids enjoy observing, playing and possibly collecting rocks. From skipping to identification, this book explores the daily explorative nature kids have and could adopt once this book is in their hands. Easy to read with illustrations bursting with additional flair, I think What You Can Do with a Rock is perfect for young readers. Additional material in the back hosts wonderful information for the collector in your life!
#NetGalley #Pat Zietlow Miller #Katie Kath #nonfictionkidlit
#NetGalley #Pat Zietlow Miller #Katie Kath #nonfictionkidlit
October 31, 2021
I didn’t realize a book about rocks could be so emotional. I absolutely love seeing tons of activities you can do with a rock. I bet it’ll inspire children to try new things with them. They may never be bored as long as there’s a rock around after reading this. 😊
This book is full of gems. My favorite part is:
People are like rocks.
Some sparkle right away
while others seem ordinary at first,
but have treasure deep inside.
This book is full of gems. My favorite part is:
People are like rocks.
Some sparkle right away
while others seem ordinary at first,
but have treasure deep inside.
February 28, 2023
What can you do with a rock?
Goodness, there are so many things you can do with a rock.
You can kick it.
You can skip it.
You can drop it.
You can sort them.
You can study them...
Best of all, you can share them with a friend.
A perfect first introduction to rock collecting.
Goodness, there are so many things you can do with a rock.
You can kick it.
You can skip it.
You can drop it.
You can sort them.
You can study them...
Best of all, you can share them with a friend.
A perfect first introduction to rock collecting.
October 26, 2021
As if I am not strange enough as is, fun fact: I love rocks. I collect interesting ones from hikes, outings, random places and have a little rock pile (that I have also now picked up and moved with me a few times). They are normally small ones but they are all interesting to me. SO this book... was FOR ME... and any other kids that love rocks. This book is wonderful! It showcases all the wonderful things about rocks - ones you can take and ones you can admire from a-far. How you can sort them, use them, study them, and just generally love them.
Although a book about rocks, readers will also enjoy a lesson on sharing and listening to each other... while talking about rocks and being together. AND learn so much from the non-fiction information provided about rocks at the end of the book as well. The book has lovely images to go along with all the rock fun, detailed, full of rock examples, locations, and how to embellish them. The colors are bright and each page has your attention as you try to see all the rocks on it and all the kids learning more about them.
I loved this book so much! It was so much fun to read and I can't wait to share it with littles in my life so that they learn to love rocks too. it's all about appreciating the little things... little rocks included. (I guess big rocks too.)
I am also a fan of the author of this book. Pat Zietlow Miller writes some wonderful children's books.
Although a book about rocks, readers will also enjoy a lesson on sharing and listening to each other... while talking about rocks and being together. AND learn so much from the non-fiction information provided about rocks at the end of the book as well. The book has lovely images to go along with all the rock fun, detailed, full of rock examples, locations, and how to embellish them. The colors are bright and each page has your attention as you try to see all the rocks on it and all the kids learning more about them.
I loved this book so much! It was so much fun to read and I can't wait to share it with littles in my life so that they learn to love rocks too. it's all about appreciating the little things... little rocks included. (I guess big rocks too.)
I am also a fan of the author of this book. Pat Zietlow Miller writes some wonderful children's books.
October 4, 2021
It's a fun new offering for young readers that comes with a guarantee of lasting appeal and long shelflife in classrooms, libraries, and family collections: WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A ROCK?
Endpapers with classifications on labeled rock samples invite close inspection and also serve as a sort of field guide for beginning collectors. Then a simple text written in direct address invites YOU, the reader, to pay attention and notice rocks.
Suggestions for what YOU can do with the rocks you find expand the mundane (kick it, skip, it drop it) with lovely language and lively images. Reminders to extend the range for searching, respect areas/spcimens that should be collected only as memories, and ideas for ways to sort, catalogue, and display collections entice readers to begin a new hobby.
If this sounds a bit didactic, have no fear. The lively language, colorful spot- and full-spread illustrations, and the emerging personalities on the page portray a lovely friendship and imply some larger truths.
Noticing can lead to discovering.
Imagining can lead to creating.
Beauty and value lie below the surface of first appearances.
And, of course, sharing makes everything better.
Back matter offers further suggestions, including a brief but excellent list of titles on this timeless topic.
Endpapers with classifications on labeled rock samples invite close inspection and also serve as a sort of field guide for beginning collectors. Then a simple text written in direct address invites YOU, the reader, to pay attention and notice rocks.
Suggestions for what YOU can do with the rocks you find expand the mundane (kick it, skip, it drop it) with lovely language and lively images. Reminders to extend the range for searching, respect areas/spcimens that should be collected only as memories, and ideas for ways to sort, catalogue, and display collections entice readers to begin a new hobby.
If this sounds a bit didactic, have no fear. The lively language, colorful spot- and full-spread illustrations, and the emerging personalities on the page portray a lovely friendship and imply some larger truths.
Noticing can lead to discovering.
Imagining can lead to creating.
Beauty and value lie below the surface of first appearances.
And, of course, sharing makes everything better.
Back matter offers further suggestions, including a brief but excellent list of titles on this timeless topic.
January 15, 2022
This reminds me so much of being a kid (in the age of no tech) and getting outdoors, using imagination, and going in adventures. It also reminds me of my son who enjoys collecting rocks and tiny things. I really enjoy how this book bring in so many themes I believe are important: imagination, creativity, simplicity, friendship, and appreciation. The message at the end about friendship really struck me: “Choose your friend carefully. People are like rocks. Some sparkle right away, while others seem ordinary at first, but have treasure deep inside. Don’t miss their magic. Don’t walk by with your head in the air and your hands in your pockets.” What an incredible message to send kids today that are so engrossed in social media that often are too focused on the material looks of a person in their media and trendy personality and pass by those who may be quieter and ordinary but are truly a genuine treasure. I think the message also encourages us all to stop being so connected to our phones or air pods, take a minute, stop, look up, have a conversation face to face, and appreciate the beauty of this world.
May 20, 2021
When I was a kid I looked at rock collections in bafflement. To me most rocks were boring and I did not understand the appeal.
As an adult I used to go on hikes with a geologist and I began to understand (and appreciate) the stories rocks tell. However, I still don't collect rocks. Now I live in the United States and in my town there are people who pain rocks for others to find. They people who find them post them on a local Facebook group. I think it's cool, but I don't actively search for them.
Then I read this book and while I still don't understand rock collecting's appeal, I liked that the book shows children to pay attention to something most of us ignore and take for granted. The book also teaches children how to sort the rocks in their collection as well projects they can do with the rocks.
Even if this book does not sound like your cup of tea, do me a favor and open it up to see the gorgeous endpapers.
As an adult I used to go on hikes with a geologist and I began to understand (and appreciate) the stories rocks tell. However, I still don't collect rocks. Now I live in the United States and in my town there are people who pain rocks for others to find. They people who find them post them on a local Facebook group. I think it's cool, but I don't actively search for them.
Then I read this book and while I still don't understand rock collecting's appeal, I liked that the book shows children to pay attention to something most of us ignore and take for granted. The book also teaches children how to sort the rocks in their collection as well projects they can do with the rocks.
Even if this book does not sound like your cup of tea, do me a favor and open it up to see the gorgeous endpapers.
May 15, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for the arc of What Can You Do With a Rock? by Pat Zietlow Miller.
This is a fun book about rocks and rock collecting that I think would inspire many primary students to start looking at the ground with a little more wonder. I appreciate the fact that Miller discusses how some rocks have to be left where they are while some you can take with you, I think that is a very important discussion to have, especially with younger children, as they want to take everything with them. The ways that rocks can be appreciated as enumerated in this story and the pictures help to paint the picture of this really well.
I am excited to add this to my library collection once it is available as I think it will be a good way to introduce wonder into the classroom.
This is a fun book about rocks and rock collecting that I think would inspire many primary students to start looking at the ground with a little more wonder. I appreciate the fact that Miller discusses how some rocks have to be left where they are while some you can take with you, I think that is a very important discussion to have, especially with younger children, as they want to take everything with them. The ways that rocks can be appreciated as enumerated in this story and the pictures help to paint the picture of this really well.
I am excited to add this to my library collection once it is available as I think it will be a good way to introduce wonder into the classroom.
June 28, 2021
Thanks to EdelweissPlus for the digital ARC of this book.
4.5 out of 5!
This is a beautiful book about all the many things you can do with a rock. The illustrations are gorgeous and draw you in with seeming movement through the pages. This book has notes in the back about rocks as well and could lead to so many different lessons on rocks. The section on sorting and all the different ways to sort would really engage some kids as well. The possibilities for educators with this book are endless. Wonderful how the last part of the book also talks about how wonderful it is to share these rocks and the love of them with a friend and making the connection to another person as well. Love the list of other books to check out too!
4.5 out of 5!
This is a beautiful book about all the many things you can do with a rock. The illustrations are gorgeous and draw you in with seeming movement through the pages. This book has notes in the back about rocks as well and could lead to so many different lessons on rocks. The section on sorting and all the different ways to sort would really engage some kids as well. The possibilities for educators with this book are endless. Wonderful how the last part of the book also talks about how wonderful it is to share these rocks and the love of them with a friend and making the connection to another person as well. Love the list of other books to check out too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2021
Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing an early copy to read and review. Absolutely LOVED this one! Gorgeous endpapers and a story to inspire the wonder, creativity, and the joy of play in readers of all ages. Back matter helps readers identify the three main types of rocks, suggests ideas for organizing a rock collection, and provides a list of resources to learn more about rocks. Publishing October 12, 2021.
What can you do with a rock?
You can skip them.
You can sort them.
Best of all, you can share them.
Choose your rocks carefully.
People are like rocks.
Some sparkle right away,
while others seem ordinary at first,
but have treasures deep inside.
Partner with: The Hike and In a Jar.
What can you do with a rock?
You can skip them.
You can sort them.
Best of all, you can share them.
Choose your rocks carefully.
People are like rocks.
Some sparkle right away,
while others seem ordinary at first,
but have treasures deep inside.
Partner with: The Hike and In a Jar.
July 15, 2021
Wonderful picture book from team Miller and Kath! Author Pat Z. Miller speculates about all the things that can be done with rocks that are found in a myriad of places. Watercolor illustrations by Katie Kath fill the page beautifully with details that go beyond the text, provide opportunities for extended conversation, and include people with a variety of body and skin types/colors. Back matter includes the basics on types of rocks, several rocks activities, website for budding rock hounds, and suggestions for further reading/research. Excellent choice that can be adapted to benefit children from age 3-9. Thanks for the preview copy, Sourcebooks Kids.
August 17, 2021
I have a four year old who is obsessed with rocks (and has been since he was 3!). He started bringing them home from daycare, and we even got him the National Geographic box of rocks for Christmas (and he loves it!) So you can understand why I was excited to see this title on NetGalley :-) It is a cute picture book showing a little girl going about her life while enjoying all the rocks around her in various ways - all things my toddler does and can relate to! I especially liked the further reading suggestions in the back - I can't wait to check them all out from the library and share them with my son too!
March 19, 2022
Sometimes kids with wild imaginations get the short end of the stick because they're too quiet and adults want them to "play with others" when they're perfectly fine playing alone and in the vicinity of others. If you recognize one of these kids, you know, the one running with a big stick on the sidelines of the soccer game or digging a huge hole on the beach rather than frolicking in the water--this may be the book for them. I love that it shows kids it's okay to find joy and beauty and fun in something so simple.
Not to mention, this is a great way to spark creativity and discussion in the classroom.
Not to mention, this is a great way to spark creativity and discussion in the classroom.
April 26, 2021
Nice intro to rock collecting for kids! I love the end of the book where types of rocks are discussed. It reminded me of geology on school. I think kids can get into this book. year olds up. The story may seem a bit babyish to old kids, but they will read it just for the info on crafting and types of rock and how they are formed. I liked the illustrations for the younger group. May a nonfic can be gotten out of this book for older children, say 4-8 graders?
Kudos to the authors for filling the gap!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
Kudos to the authors for filling the gap!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
December 5, 2021
I like this a lot, except that the illustrated child has blue hair. No offense to the blue haired people of the world, I just prefer children to have beautiful-as-they-are, child-colored hair.
I like that it's about rocks and paying attention.
And an unexpected bonus: Friendship. ♥
"Choose your friend carefully.
People are like rocks.
Some sparkle right away,
while others seem ordinary at first,
but have treasure deep inside.
Don't miss their magic.
Don't walk by with your head in the air and your hands in your pockets.
Hear your friend's story.
Share yours."
I like that it's about rocks and paying attention.
And an unexpected bonus: Friendship. ♥
"Choose your friend carefully.
People are like rocks.
Some sparkle right away,
while others seem ordinary at first,
but have treasure deep inside.
Don't miss their magic.
Don't walk by with your head in the air and your hands in your pockets.
Hear your friend's story.
Share yours."
September 8, 2022
From award-winning author Pat Zietlow Miller, a timeless story about creativity, exploration, and friendship
What can you do with a rock?
You can skip them.
You can sort them.
Best of all, you can share them.
Rocks are simple, but the things you can do with them are endless. Rocks can build, sparkle, and tell a story. They can be memories. They can even be a little bit magic. This ode to curiosity and creative play from New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller and acclaimed illustrator Katie Kath is bound to inspire.
What can you do with a rock?
You can skip them.
You can sort them.
Best of all, you can share them.
Rocks are simple, but the things you can do with them are endless. Rocks can build, sparkle, and tell a story. They can be memories. They can even be a little bit magic. This ode to curiosity and creative play from New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller and acclaimed illustrator Katie Kath is bound to inspire.
June 28, 2021
This was a sweet story. It was about collecting rocks. That may sound boring to some, but this book makes it sound fun. The things they talk about could happen with many things a child chooses to collect. I love the lesson in friendship at the end. It just moves so well and is so cohesive of a story. I think for some children this will be a perfect book that they will want to keep and share with the kids they eventually have.
October 19, 2021
Thanks so much to SourceBooks Early Reads for an ebook copy to read and review. This is a wonderful story full of charm, that focuses on the stories behind rocks, the fun elements, the beauty, and of course the science and nature. I think it blends all these elements together perfectly, showing how rocks are important to our world overall, but how they can be parts of important personal collections and memories, and stories shared between friends.
November 4, 2021
A picture book for rock lovers. If your kids constantly fill their pockets and your purse with rocks of all shapes and sizes like mine, then this is a picture book for them. This is for the love of rocks. The joy of skipping them, collecting them, loving them. There is some practical, nonfiction information woven in but mostly it is a celebration of rocks themselves. A joyful book that would be wonderful to read before a nature walk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews