Charlotte and the Rock

Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
An unexpected friendship forms between a girl and her pet rock in this charming story that’s perfect for fans of What Pet Should I Get?

Charlotte has always really wanted a pet, so when her parents present her with one for her birthday she expects a cat, dog, or maybe a bird. Instead, she receives a rock. Rocks can't cuddle, fetch, or even help her eat her vegetables, but that doesn’t stop Charlotte from loving her rock as if he were real. If only he could love her back...or can he?
© Alan Mamaril
Stephen W. Martin is a writer and director, with several award-winning short films to his credit. He is the author of Robot Smash and is also the coauthor of Pop Manga with renowned manga artist and comics creator Camilla D'Errico. View titles by Stephen W. Martin
© Samantha Cotterill
Samantha Cotterill is an illustrator and textile designer.  She works and resides with her family in Upstate New York. View titles by Samantha Cotterill
"Amusing as well as subtly encouraging about the rewards for patience and working with what you've got." —Kirkus 

"Martin’s dry humor delivers giggles (“You said what ate your homework?” Charlotte’s teacher snaps), and so does the concluding reversal of fortune." —Publishers Weekly

"The sharp, declarative text and warm, funny illustrations make Charlotte and Dennis...an irresistible pair." —Horn Book

"Kids will giggle over Charlotte’s efforts to treat her rock like a normal pet, and it’s refreshingto see a child making the best of a disappointing situation."  Booklist

"Children will laugh at the surprise ending and may be inspired to try to hatch a pet rock of their own....A recommended purchase for any primary collection." —School Library Journal

About

An unexpected friendship forms between a girl and her pet rock in this charming story that’s perfect for fans of What Pet Should I Get?

Charlotte has always really wanted a pet, so when her parents present her with one for her birthday she expects a cat, dog, or maybe a bird. Instead, she receives a rock. Rocks can't cuddle, fetch, or even help her eat her vegetables, but that doesn’t stop Charlotte from loving her rock as if he were real. If only he could love her back...or can he?

Author

© Alan Mamaril
Stephen W. Martin is a writer and director, with several award-winning short films to his credit. He is the author of Robot Smash and is also the coauthor of Pop Manga with renowned manga artist and comics creator Camilla D'Errico. View titles by Stephen W. Martin
© Samantha Cotterill
Samantha Cotterill is an illustrator and textile designer.  She works and resides with her family in Upstate New York. View titles by Samantha Cotterill

Praise

"Amusing as well as subtly encouraging about the rewards for patience and working with what you've got." —Kirkus 

"Martin’s dry humor delivers giggles (“You said what ate your homework?” Charlotte’s teacher snaps), and so does the concluding reversal of fortune." —Publishers Weekly

"The sharp, declarative text and warm, funny illustrations make Charlotte and Dennis...an irresistible pair." —Horn Book

"Kids will giggle over Charlotte’s efforts to treat her rock like a normal pet, and it’s refreshingto see a child making the best of a disappointing situation."  Booklist

"Children will laugh at the surprise ending and may be inspired to try to hatch a pet rock of their own....A recommended purchase for any primary collection." —School Library Journal

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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