Stick and Stone Explore and More: A Graphic Novel

Stick and Stone #3

by Beth Ferry, Kristen Cella (Illustrator)

Two stories in one graphic novel perfect for beginning readers, based on the bestselling STICK AND STONE series by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld. Go on a scavenger hunt, set out on a trip for ice cream, and even visit the beach with these lovable best buddies.

Join Stick and Stone as they get swept up in scavenger hunt. Accompany them to a campfire calamity. And laugh along with them in this new graphic novel series starring two best buddies and a whole cast of new characters. Each story has a fun activity to make you feel part of the action.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Picture Books, Friendship, Adventure, Humor, Fiction

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2022

About the author

Beth Ferry is the author of the picture books Stick and Stone and Land Shark. Her family has cared for myriad pets, including two land sharks, a hedgehog, a blue-tongued skink, and a heap of hamsters, but her absolutely perfect pet is an English bulldog named Winston. She lives in New Jersey.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Cute Children's Graphic Novel, and this is third book in the Stick and Stone series. I found this book to be cute, and I love the Stick and Stone characters. The first part has a lot about the ABCs and nature. I love that this graphic novel teaches young kids they can find their ABCs in nature. The second part was not my favorite, but it is all about wishing and friendship. I found both parts to be cute and fill of great messages. I love the pictures in this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Etch/Clarion Books) or author (Beth Ferry) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick and Stone are the best buddies ever. The joy encompassed in these two stories is infectious. I love Stick and Stone.

[Stephanie Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute graphic novel which contains 2 stories in one about best friends Stick and Stone and their adventures in the forest and what they encounter there. Both stories have a fun activity to do that correlates with what stick and stone are doing. Perfect for beginning readers and just a really fun read.

Thanks to Clarion Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Two new adventures with friends Stick and Stone are shared in a graphic format that will definitely appeal to young readers.

[Lisa Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and the Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

This is such a beautiful story about friendship with fun adventures, that can be scary at times. At least Stick and Stone have each other.

I really enjoyed all the cool ideas after each chapter, such as Nature Girls A-Z checklist where young children can find out in nature the Alphabet in the first story. In the second story, Sticky Situation has some fabulous kid friendly s'mores recipes.

The story is cute and funny, with text that is easy to read for children who love picture books but are ready for the next level of reading.

Truly, a sweet book. I particularly loved the Nature Girls Motto,

" Take nothing but pictures.
Leave nothing but footprints.
Keep nothing but memories."

I feel good read that will you smiling and laughing throughout.

Highly recommend.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick and Stone Explore and More by Beth Ferry is currently scheduled for release on June 7 2022. Two stories in one graphic novel perfect for beginning readers, based on the Stick and Stone series by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld. Go on a scavenger hunt, set out on a trip for ice cream, and even visit the beach with these lovable best buddies. Join Stick and Stone as they get swept up in scavenger hunt. Accompany them to a campfire calamity. And laugh along with them in this new graphic novel series starring two best buddies and a whole cast of new characters. Each story has a fun activity to make you feel part of the action.

Stick and Stone Explore and More is another set of cute stories of friendship starring fan favorite buddies. In the first story they join a young Nature Girl on a quest to find items that start with each letter in the alphabet. On the second story Stone wishes for an adventure, but really wants some ice cream, and when he gets his wish things get dangerous. I like that Stone and Stick are different from each other, but that those differences turn out to be what makes them such a great team. I love the quality of the illustrations, and think that the detail in them will capture the attention of many readers. I found the activity tie ins at the end of each story will help further engage readers and have them looking to explore further. The adventures are fun and sweet, and I think many young readers will enjoy reading about these friends.

[Autumn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting book. I felt a little lost though, was I supposed to start at the end and go backwards? Either way, I felt like it left a lot to be explained, and I felt like it jumped around so many times. I feel like nothing really related to each other. I am sure kids would enjoy this book, but as an adult, I did not. Unfortunately. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5. Cute but not much else I could say about it. I like the illustrations and I found the two characters to be funny at first, but I got over it kind of fast. I think some children could like it, but I wouldn’t personally recommend it. Personal taste I guess…

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best buds, Stick and Stone takes readers on two adventures in this book. If you've read the previous books in the series you will love this one as well. Learn about nature through a scavenger hunt and then wishes.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that two of my favorite picture book characters are now in graphic novels. I love the dialogue and humor.

[The Colorful Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick and Stone, quirky best friends and adventurous antics.

An enjoyable read-aloud for my little one (5) who was clamoring for more! The cute and simple illustrations, the quick and silly banter between Stick and Stone are sometimes so nonsensical but underneath it all is a message of friendship, fun facts, and the spirit of adventure!

Stick: If you could be anything, what would you wish to be?
Stone: Stick, as long as you’re you, I’d wish to be me!

Awww.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[Beth Voecks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this graphic novel! Adorable art and cute stories! Doesn't hurt that the author shares the same first name as me!

[Faith Tydings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Stick and Stone books in the children’s E picture book section of the library. This one is in the J Graphic section and it was just as good only longer and with more adventures, friendship, and that ornery pine cone. I loved it!!

[Becky McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick and Stone did it again. I love this series and this one was the best one yet. Stick and Stone go on a fun adventure and the storyline is very cute along with great illustrations. If you are a fan of this series you will love this next installment. Even smores recipes at the end of the book.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The friends, Stick and Stone, are caught up in two stories in one graphic novel. In the first one they meet Nature girl. She is excited and decked out in her hiking gear on the look for nature items beginning the letter A all the way to Z. Readers get involved with Stick and Stone as they are swept up in scavenger hunt. At the end Nature Girl’s checklist is written out for you to take her list and go on your very own nature hike.

In the second story, readers accompany the friends to a campfire site. The humorous and heart warming stories will have you laughing along with them. In this graphic novel series you get to know the stars and a whole cast of new characters.
Each story culminates in a fun activity to make you feel part of the action.
The campfire adventure involves. Recipe. Can you guess to what can be made around a campfire?

I see many adventures await these best buddies all for us to enjoy.

Hand this series to your beginning readers to enjoy.

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've only recently discovered graphic novels for beginning readers. They're amazing. Graphic novels are a gateway drug to reading for reluctant readers and a great transition tool for kids who are working on moving away from picture books and into chapter books. I've even read a few to my almost 3 year old son and he loves them. I'm not familiar with the book series this GN is based on, but I'm about to be. Things I love about this book...

1. The alphabet activity in the first story.
2. The friendship between Stone and Stick.
3. The way they both respond to "bullies" in the story.
4. The illustrations.

This one is a winner!

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome graphic novel, Stick & Stone have such amazing adventures together. The last two panels got me right in the heart, they were so cute.

Highly recommend this entertaining graphic novel.

[The Voracious Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Note: I received a free digital review copy of this book from NetGalley and Clarion Books (formerly HMH Children’s Books) in exchange for an honest review.***

I believe we can officially add Stick and Stone to the canon of great friends in children’s literature. They are joining the ranks of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie, and Marc Brown’s Arthur Read and Buster Baxter.

In “Stick and Stone and the Nature Girl”, the two friends try (and fail) to evade being captured by an opportunistic Nature Girl who, along with other members of her troop, is collecting objects from nature starting with each letter of the alphabet. While the friends do end up being snatched (erroneously as Rock and Twig), they are never in any real danger, because the Nature Girl’s Troop Leader reiterates to all of the participants the Nature Girl motto, which is: “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Keep nothing but memories.” The friends are deposited back in their original spots and all is made right again in their world.

In “Stick and Stone and the Sticky Situation”, Stick and Stone get a little more adventure than they bargained for when they end up on a beach and instead of enjoying a nice soak in the sun, Stone is used for a beach campfire along with other rocks of varying sizes and Stick gets a marshmallow for a hat and very nearly gets roasted. A beneficent rain ruins the beachgoers’ fun while saving the lives of Stick and Stone and their new friends.

Beth Ferry and Kristen Cella have delivered another excellent chapter in the saga of Stick and Stone, and readers of all ages are sure to delight in their latest adventures.

Stick and Stone Explore and More is due to be released by Clarion Books (formerly HMH Children’s Books) on June 7th, 2022 and is available to preorder wherever books are sold.

***Note: This review also appears, in slightly different form, on my blog at https://thevoraciousbibliophile.com/2....

[Jennifer Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarion Books for the opportunity to review an ARC of this title.

Stick and Stone Explore and More is a graphic novel about a stick and a stone that are friends. This book follows Stick and Stone on two different adventures. In the first, Stick and Stone are working in the garden when they spot a "monster"...a scout working to find nature objects that start with each letter in the alphabet. Stick and Stone are in a panic wondering which one of them will be picked when the scout gets to "s". They're surprised when they're both mislabeled and wind up in the scout's pail. Fortunately, the scout leader instruct the scouts to return all their items back to nature and Stick and Stone are returned home at the end.

The second story is called Stick and Stone and the Sticky Situation. In this story, Stick and Stone are debating what to do on a hot summer day. They finally decide and then are collected again and taken to the beach. At the beach Stick and Stone experience a camp fire in different ways. Right when things are starting to look especially grim for stick, a storm hits and Stick and Stone are abandoned. Stick and Stone talk about what they would like to be in different scenarios and finally determine that all that's really important is that they're friends.

Stick and Stone Explore and More is a sweet story about friendship that I would recommend to beginning readers. The stories are short and contain many sight words. Emerging readers can use the context clues in the pictures in order to help decode unfamiliar words. I would recommend this book to students in kindergarten through second grade.

#NetGalley #StickandStoneExploreandMore

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Frog and Toad read-alike for today's young readers, this third book in the graphic novel series will satisfy those readers who have moved up to the next level of reading.

Based on characters from the picture book series, this one finds our two friends dealing with humans disturbing nature. In the first story, "Stick and Stone and the Nature Girl", the two friends are observing a girl on a scavenger hunt for things in nature. She is over halfway through her alphabetized list. At P, she picks up their friend, Pinecone, and puts him in her bucket. Which will she pick when she comes to the letter S and how will they deal with being separated? In the second story, "Stick and Stone and the Sticky Situation", Stone wants to have an adventure. He gets more than he bargains for when he wishes for an adventure, as the two friends are picked up by a human to be part of a marshmallow roast and toast. Both stories have an age-appropriate activity for kids to do following each story. An A-Z nature-lovers scavenger list encourages youngsters to conduct their own hunt is after the first story and a recipe for making S'mores follows the second.

Kristen Cella continues as illustrator for this series, in a style like Tom Lichtenheld's pictures books about these two. She is very successful in this venture, as they are light and playful - even down to some of the shapes of the frames. The digital artwork was created using a drawing tablet, with brushes simulating pencils and watercolors and scans of drawing paper. The layout is pleasing, with colors bright and action plenty.

Be sure to hand this out in summer!

Recommended for grades PreS, K-3.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick and Stone Explore and More by Beth Ferry is divided into two stories and written in frames like a comic. Stick and Stone crave adventure and try find it in these stories. In the first story we meet nature girl that is on a scavenger hunt. They try to guess what she will get for each letter of the alphabet. Who will get picked since they both start with S. In the second story Stone make a wish for adventure. When they both get picked up what will there adventure be and how will the be used?
These stories are super cute, educational, and the perfect length for young readers. Kids can guess along with Stick and Stone to see what nature girl will pick then use a provided scavenger list to get outside and do their own. Perfect practice for learning the alphabet. In the second story readers can try and guess what Stick and Stone will be used for...then use the included recipe for a tasty treat that gave Stick and Stone their adventure.
This book is perfect for young kids and beginning readers. Parents can read the story with younger kids and practice the alphabet and as kids get older than can eventually read in their own. I always love looks that my kids can get lots of use out of and they don't outgrow quickly. I would recommend this book primarily for kids about 3 to 9 but I'm sure kids older and younger would enjoy as well. I'd give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is such a fun kids book about two best friends Stick and Stone who go on two crazy adventures. In the first adventure they encounter a young Nature Girl on a quest to find an item in the wilderness that starts with each letter in the alphabet. At first Stick and Stone are worried because she can only get one item with each letter and how will she pick between the two of them? Will the friends be able to stick together? On the next adventure Stone wishes for an adventure, though he secretly wants ice cream. When his wish comes true Stick and Stone are taken far from home and put in a dangerous situation will either of them come out okay and make it back home?

Overall just such a sweet story, one that can touch children on multiple different levels. The fact that both stick and stone identify as one word, but the little girl identifies them as another might be a good lesson on labels in general. I also loved how Stone was so into every adventure but Stick was the realist. Overall both characters made these stories super lovable and easy to read. I can't wait for more adventures!

Thank you so much to Clarion Books and Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy.

[Elles_shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick and Stone are back for two new adventures. This book contains two new stories. The first is Stick and Stone and the Nature Girl. This story talks about fears. Our lovable duo are scooped up by a Nature Girl who is doing a nature scavenger hunt with her Nature Girl group. She collects all of her objects and they are all a bit afraid of what is happening to them, but in the end she places each object back where it belongs. This is a good lesson on bravery as well as leaving nature as you found it. There is also some humor as our characters are called Rock and Twig by the Nature Girl. After the story, there is a nature checklist to complete. The second story involves the duo going on a journey to find ice-cream when they are again picked up. This time Stone becomes part of a makeshift fire pit and Stick is about to get roasted. Afterwards, there is a recipe for s'mores.
This is a great book for children who don't necessarily like to read and prefer more of a graphic novel style. It is also obviously perfect for fans of Stick and Stone.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick and Stone are back with more adventures! And this time they are in a graphic novel format perfect for kids just beginning to read and love comics.
Stick is happy counting his pea pods and tomatoes but Stone wants an adventure! Fortunately, there is a Nature Girl in the area collecting one item for every letter of the alphabet. And Stick and Stone seem to be on her list - though not necessarily in the way that they thought. And so their adventure begins! In the second story, Stone decides he would like ice cream - or maybe snow - or maybe ice cream made from snow? Instead he and his friend, Stick, are carried away to the beach.
Both stories stress that even though Stick and Stone are very different, they are still best friends that are always ready to help each other through tough times and enjoy the fun times together. I really enjoyed the illustrations - especially the different expressions on Stone's face!

Thanks to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Stick and Stone Explore and More' is two books in one (which is a nice bang for your buck!). The stories and art are graphic novels for little kids. The artwork is colorful and engaging. Even without the text kids will be able to follow the story - so a good option for not very strong readers.

The stories are delightful and sweet. They are basically buddy comedies for kids. Stick is a little uptight, Stone is a little loose and always ready to...roll. At the end of the day, wherever their adventures lead, they are there for each other.

Looking for more to read? Check out our shelves at Greater Houston Moms . Ready to chat? Join our

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel is a new book in the Stick and Stone series. We have previously read the picture books about the best friends, Stick and Stone. My two kids, ages 6 and 9, were excited to hear more adventures of these two friends in a graphic novel format. Two separate stories were included in this book. The storylines were clever and had both kids laughing out loud. We read this aloud together and enjoyed acting out their conversations. Thank you for providing an advanced copy for us to enjoy together.

My 6 year old says to give this book 1,000 thumbs up (even though we aren’t sure if Stick or Stone have any thumbs themselves).

My 9 year old wrote: I really love to read Stick and Stone. I think the stories are fun to read. I like that they are graphic novels. The pictures were really detailed. You can get the idea of the story and the conversations. We really really really love Stick and Stone. ❤️

[Lindsey Lawntea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stick and Stone Explore and More is the third in the Stick and Stone series. It contains two stories and an activity following each story (a scavenger hunt and a s'mores recipe). In the first story "Stick and Stone and the Nature Girl," Stick and Stone are enjoying a nice day in the woods when they encounter a young girl on a scavenger hunt to collect nature items from A-Z. There are humorous parts where Stick and Stone are referred to by different terms (such as twig or rock) and get highly offended by it. The second story, "Sticky Situation" involves Stick and Stone wanting to take a trip to the beach that goes awry.

This is a fun book for children, but I wish it had more stories. It was pretty short and had little variety.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick and Stone is a great children's picture book! The first half is about a nature scavenger hunt where girl guides take objects that start with each letter of the alphabet. Stick and stone are both insulted by being called twig and rock, and terrified when they are tossed in a bucket. The story goes on to teach readers that they should leave nature where they found it and take only pictures. In the second part of the story they both narrowly escape being skipped on the lake and burned in a campfire, but luckily they are saved by the rain! With simple, unique characters, and an undercurrent of respecting nature, this is a great graphic novel for young readers. As a grade 3 teacher, I would recommend this book for teachers and families of children in the 5-11 age range. I could definitely see my students reading this book again and again. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this great book!

[Emily Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I received a digital ARC of this book, thanks to NetGalley*
I truly enjoyed this book very much. It's part of a series, but I didn't need to read the other books to understand who these characters were. It's a beautiful story of friendship with fun adventures that can be scary sometimes, but at least Stick and Stone have each other. There were also some cool ideas after each chapter. The first story, Nature Girl, has a fantastic A-Z checklist that kids can use to find different things in nature. The second story, Sticky Situation, has a great, kid-friendly s'mores recipe at the end.
All in all, I look forward to the next book (Stick and Stone: On the Go is coming soon!), and I would love to take some time and catch up with the ones I've missed. A lovely story of friendship, I would definitely recommend.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two stories in this book: In the first, Stick and Stone are tending their garden when a Nature Girl comes along on an alphabet scavenger hunt. While Stone reminisces about his favorite song (the alphabet song), Stick realizes that both stick and stone start with S! Who will the Nature Girl take?

In the second, Stick and Stone set off on a quest to find some ice cream, but they end up on an adventure instead. They'll need some serious magic to get out of a s'mores party and get back to dreaming.

I love when picture books grow along with readers. While the original picture books were perfect for beginner readers who like puns and value friendship, the adventure continues for older readers in these graphic novels. The jokes are still strong, and the imagination still inspires me. Thank you to Clarion Books and Netgalley for this ARC.