The Secret of the Stones

by Robert D. San Souci, James Ransome (Illustrator)

When John and Clara return to their cabin from working in the fields one evening, they are startled to discover that all of their household chores have been done. The mysterious, magical Aunt Easter tells the couple the identity of these unknown benefactors and their connection to the two white stones that Clara keeps in the house. Armed solely with Aunt Easter's advice and their own affectionate, courageous hearts, John and Clara must confront the evil conjure man. Only then will they solve the secret of the stones and fill the void in their childless home. Robert San Souci has drawn again from the rich legacy of African-American folklore, as he did in his acclaimed The Hired Hand and The Talking Eggs. And the deep, jewel-like colors of James Ransome's paintings carry the reader into the majestic Ozark mountains and inside this marvelously dramatic and touching story of love and courage.

Genres: Picture Books, African American, Folklore, Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Robert Daniel San Souci (October 10, 1946 – December 19, 2014) was a multiple award-winning children's book author, who resided in San Francisco, California. He often worked with his brother, Daniel San Souci, a children's book illustrator. He was a consultant to Disney Studios and was instrumental in the production of the film Mulan, for which he wrote the story. He studied folklore in graduate school. He died after suffering a head injury while falling from a high height in San Francisco in December 2014. He was only 68 years old.

Reviews

[Emily Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple who works during the day by the stream. When they come back at the end of the day their house is clean and they don't know how. They discover that there are kids that are cursed into stone. They went on a long journey to get the curse taken off of the kids.

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhhh I'm torn. Beautiful artwork though.

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing dialect is -HARD-. I get that. The fact that it is hard to do well does not excuse it being done poorly

[Alexia Mathews]

This book was very magical and mysterious. John and Clara, a married couple, spend most of their days working in the fields. Strangely, they would come home to their house being cleaned and spotless. Aunt Easter, who is defined as “magical” tells John and Clara that two white stones are connected to the strange things happening in their home. It then becomes John and Clara’s mission to reveal the secret of the stones. After a shocking revelation, their lives change forever. I would recommend this book in every classroom because it’s a great story that shows an African-American folklore style. It’s something different and inclusive, which is important to have in classrooms because teachers will have diverse students. This would be a good books to read aloud to a class because it’s a good length and it has captivating illustrations.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice illustrations. Younger readers may have difficulty with the characters' way of speaking. And I wasn't terribly pleased with the inference that a married couple without children are lacking something in their relationship.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a retelling of a folk tale similar to the Shoemaker and the Elves.

[Kyra Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. As always, it shows good over-coming the bad.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting retelling of this African folk story, though perhaps a little disturbing for young readers.