In a post earlier this year, I shared my six favourite children’s books to support play with dandelions to celebrate the confluence of World Book Night and Earth Day on 22nd April. Now, just over half of the year later, on the other side of the seasonal cycle, it’s time to celebrate one of my other life long loves: rocks and stones!
International Stonework Play Day is on 3rd November each year, or a day around that date that suits you. For us in the northern hemisphere, this times perfectly with growing awareness of ‘the stuff of the earth’ materials, which are gradually becoming more noticeable as our world turns towards winter – and asking us to play with them.
“Stonework Play is a form of creative learning and is an open ended response to the invitation to work with stones, a natural resource. It engages the senses and animates imagination, allowing each person to tell a story or make a unique pattern suggested by handling the stones. The weight, form and texture of each stone suggest artistic choices that result in original work.
Stonework Play responds to the idea of nature’s power to enrich the imagination. It helps the artist, no matter how young, to explore and express emotions, thoughts and feelings through stone arrangements and the stories they elicit. Stones are a kinesthetic medium, never fixed in their place or meaning, the ground an endless canvas, and small hands the brushes that move them.” – Diana Suskind, Creator of Stonework Play
The process that has developed into Stonework Play began in 2011 and I participated in one of Diane’s intriguing workshops at a World Forum Foundation global gathering not long afterwards. Diane has since taken her workshops all over the world – find out more through the Stonework Play website hosted by Tania Molony’s Nurture in Nature Australia, where you can also download a free parent and educator handbook.
I’m sure everyone reading this blog knows what a satisfying material children find stone is for exploration and discovery of the world – and of themself in the world – interacting with a solid weight that tugs on the arms and a presence that fills up the hands. We also know what versatile, dynamic and provocative resources abundant supplies of rocks, cobbles and pebbles can be for varied and extended play, morphing quickly into imaginative and narrative modes.
So, as a lifelong lover of both stone and books, here I present not six but fifteen favourite children’s books to accompany a season of play with rock and stone!
1. A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel (Chronicle Books 2019)
A Stone Sat Still tells the story of a seemingly ordinary rock – but to the animals that use it, it is a resting place, a kitchen, a safe haven… even an entire world. This is a gorgeous exploration of perspective, perception, and the passage of time, with an underlying environmental message that is timely and poignant.
2. Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egnéus (Oxford University Press 2020)
Lubna’s best friend is a pebble. She found it on the beach when they arrived in the night, then she fell asleep in Daddy’s salty arms. Lubna tells Pebble everything. About home. About her brothers. About the war. Pebble always listens to her stories and smiles when she feels afraid. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna understands that he needs Pebble even more than she does . . .
3. Petra by Marianna Coppo (Tundra Books 2018)
Petra is a little rock who believes she is a mighty mountain… until a dog fetches her for its owner, and she is tossed into a bird’s nest. A mountain? No, Petra is now an egg! An egg of the world in a world of possibility. Until she’s flung into a pond, and becomes an amazing island… and, eventually, a little girl’s pet rock. What will she be tomorrow? Who knows? But she’s a rock, and this is how she rolls!
4. The Stone Bird by Jenny McCartney & Patrick Benson (Andersen Press 2017)
It might look like a pebble from the beach, but Eliza knows this is an egg. And one night when she hears cracking, she discovers the Stone Bird. It might still look like a stone to her mum, but Eliza knows it’s alive.
5. On My Beach There Are Many Pebbles by Leo Lionni (HarperCollins 1995)
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.
6. If You Find A Rock by Barbara Hirsch Lember and Peggy Christian (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2011)
Think of all the rocks there are: skipping rocks, splashing rocks, climbing rocks, and wishing rocks. Children can’t help collecting them. With joyful, poetic text and luminous photographs, If You Find a Rock celebrates rocks everywhere – as well as the mysterious and wonderful places they are found.
7. A Rock Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas & Violeta Dabija (Millbrook Press 2015)
Rocks may seem like boring, static objects – until you discover that a rock can spark a fire, glow in the dark, and provide shelters of all shapes and sizes. Laura Purdie Salas’s lyrical rhyming text and Violeta Dabija’s glowing illustrations show how rocks decorate and strengthen the world around them.
8. Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Taylor & Peter Parnall (Prentice Hall 1974)
Describes the qualities to consider in selecting the perfect rock for play and pleasure.
9. Stick And Stone by Beth Ferry (HMH Books for Young Readers 2018)
When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with a pine cone, the pair become fast friends. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favour? The author Beth Ferry writes warm, rhyming text that includes a subtle anti-bullying message even the youngest reader will understand [note: this is a board book].
10. Stone Soup by Heather Forest & Susan Gaber (August House Publishers 2005)
In this cumulative retelling of an ancient and widely circulated legend, storyteller Heather Forest shows that when each person makes a small contribution, the collective impact can be huge.
11. Beach Stones by Josie Iselin & Margaret Carruthers (Abrams 2006)
This exquisite volume, at once a gorgeous art book and a nature guide, presents more than 200 exceptional stones from around the world and describes the fascinating natural processes that produced them.
12. Heart Stones by Josie Iselin (Harry N. Abrams 2008)
A heart stone is one of nature’s gifts. Heart stones are not rare or precious in the typical sense – a good scour of a beach with any stones at all will usually turn up one or two heart-shaped stones. But heart stones, lifted from their obscurity, with all of their cracks and blemishes, lopsided and imperfect, are simply the best find on any beach.
13. If Rocks Could Sing: A discovered alphabet by Leslie McGuirk (Tricycle Press 2011)
Amazing rocks, found on a stretch of beach near the author’s home, comprise this unique alphabet book. A is for Addition, and there are rocks in the shape of real numbers, too. B is for Bird, and there is a bird rock on a nest with an egg. G is for Ghosts, and there is a host of rocks that look like ghosts! Children and adults alike will pore over these fascinating rocks, and will be inspired collect their own.
14. Charlotte and the Rock by Stephen W. Martin & Samantha Cotterill (Dial Books for Young Readers 2017)
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?
15. Old Rock (Is Not Boring) by Deb Pilutti (G.P. Putnum’s Sons 2020)
Old Rock has been sitting in the same spot in the pine forest for as long as anyone can remember. Spotted Beetle, Tall Pine, and Hummingbird think just sitting there must be boring, but they are in for a wonderful surprise.
And, as a parting gift, here is a nice blog from Little Pine Learners – 10+ simple and beautiful stone activities for kids. Number 11 is the best…
[Book cover images and descriptions are sourced from www.amazon.co.uk Purchasing secondhand through booksellers via Amazon and elsewhere feeds the circular economy and supports children in developing a mindset for living sustainably].
Hi Jan,
I too am a long life fan of rocks and pebbles. There is something very special and magical about them. I wish I could buy all of your recommended rock related books, I think I will request them all from our ‘Schools library Service’ and see which ones they stock. Thanks too for the heads up about international stonework play day. I hadn’t come across this before.
Hi John, I try to buy secondhand – best for the planet and the pocket, and important for the next generation’s mindset about resource use. Hope you can track some of them down – I love them all but my current favourite is A Stone Sat Still. It has the most lovely tactile cover.
You wrote well and created a lovely collection of Stone and Rock Stories. I have been doing this since 2011. Wow! Since I created it I can’t give it up. It makes me so happy that you are passionate about it also. As you probably know I am very visual; so by any chance do you remember your story and where you were sitting outside on the patio on the ground or at a table.. Bonnie was nearby there observing at a distance. Then I will remember you.
I wanted to share … A Guide to Inspire Creativity and Storytelling Through Nature
by Diana Suskind with Leah Crandall
Photography and Paintings by Diana Suskind with Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds.
Stonework Play is an open-ended response to the invitation to work and play with stones. Stones are a kinesthetic medium, never fixed in their place or meaning, the ground an endless canvas and small hands the brushes that move them. Stonework Play is also a how-to book that guides its audience through predictable steps for telling stories with stones. It also recounts a history, beginning with its conception in Nepal. It includes selected stories of children working with the natural world of stones, and champions nature as an important resource for today¿s youth. Written in storybook style to appeal to all ages, this book delves briefly into pedagogy to complete an adult understanding. Stonework Play, your stepping-stone to a great natural adventure! Reviews I am grateful to Diana Suskind who started Stonework Play at HEMS School, Kathmandu, and explores the idea all over the globe. It is amazing how it benefits modern lifestyle. Since the era of Kishna, Rama and Buddha, everyone learns from stone¿ Diana inspires us to search such beauty of creation from a single stone. I love Diana and her work as `stone lady¿ Suresh Bhatta, Education Diplomat for HEMS School, Kathmandu, Nepal
It is lovely to see the universality of simple, natural resources. Children respond to natural resources so well, stones have the history of the planet locked inside of them¿ and, like all good loose parts, they are open to any interpretation. Michael Follett, Director of Outdoor Play and Learning CIC, Bristol, England
Works magically with all ages. Thank you Diana for creating an activity which¿ combines tactile connection with our earth, and quiet, thoughtful moments. Lee Fernandez, Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) Associate, Los Angeles, California
Stonework Play: A Guide to Inspire Creativity and Storytelling Through Nature
Book
Description
DescriptionA Guide to Inspire Creativity and Storytelling Through Nature by Diana Suskind with LeahCrandallPhotography and Paintings by Diana Suskindwith Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds Stonework Play is an open-ended response to the invitation to work and play with stones. … Google Books
Illustrators: Diana Suskind, with Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds
Editors: Diana Suskind, with Leah Crandall
Stonework Play: A Guide to Inspire Creativity and Storytelling Through Nature
Author Diana Suskind
Editors Diana Suskind, with Leah Crandall
Illustrated by Diana Suskind, with Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds
Edition illustrated
Publisher Diana Suskind, 2018
ISBN 0692799168, 9780692799161
review
Stonework Play: When I read Stonework Play (well it’s more like looking at a beautiful photograph and artwork album), I was enchanted and couldn’t put it down. It is gorgeous! The book is artistically put together, I loved that every page has beautiful photographs or artwork and the writing is conversational and engaging.
I will share the book with friends and extended family and look forward to doing this together.
— Mariah Williams, M.A. Ed.
Hopefully I got you all excited about considering purchasing this book but at the moment it is out of print. I actually have one left besides my signed copy from Peter H. Reynolds. with is lovely illustration I will cherish always.
Hi Diana, I’m afraid I don’t remember my story, but the session was indoors but on the floor – I guess it was in the hotel where the WFF conference was held. You’re perhaps more likely to remember that we sat together on the coach going to Yosemite after the On Design conference in Berkeley way back. I did get all excited about your book – I do hope you get it back in print! Then I can promote it here in the UK…
You weren’t at the one in San Francisco. I definitely remember our coach ride and being inside on the floor. And a a breakfast. I tried with Amazon Print on Demand but my book is landscaper and they can’t do it. I will continue to search…And will let you know when I succeed. I am so proud of the fantastic work you are doing. Take good care, Diana
Looking forward to seeing your book one of these days Diana! It’s great to see how Stonework Play is growing, Jan x
Dear Jan White you are in luck as well as others who may be interested.
Please give me your address and I can see how much shipping would be if you are interested in a couple. (smile)
Stonework Play: A Guide to Inspire Creativity and Storytelling Through Nature
Diana Suskind, with Leah Crandall – 2017
A limited number of Stonework Play books will be available January 1st, 2021.
Price….$24.95 + shipping and handling for a total of $30.00 (US)
Checks should be made payable to Stonework Play….Diana Suskind
And sent to: Diana Suskind, Ed.D, RIE Associate
20 Main Street
Floor 5 Apt O
Leominster, Massachusetts 01453
Please print in the following order :
Your name or the name of the person to whom it’s sent
The mailing address
Plus
The best way of contacting you if there are questions: Phone or Email
And…..if you like…I would be happy to write a note to the recipient.
If you’d like this If….please include a note telling me the name of the person for whom you’d like this written.
My contact information: dsuskind@comcast.net
Phone: 978 413 5949.
Full payment is required prior to shipping
Stonework Play
A Play Guide to Inspire Creativity and Storytelling Through Nature
by Diana Suskind with Leah Crandall
Photography and Paintings by Diana Suskind Illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds.
And
Your stepping-stone to a great natural adventure!!
Stonework Play is a beautifully descriptive invitation to work and play with stones.
Stones, never fixed in their place or meaning, lay the perfect groundwork for artistic creation.
Stonework Play guides its readers to discover and create their own artistic world.
From its conceptual beginning in Nepal, it has evolved into a beautiful way of telling the stories of each artist,
with stones.
It has It also allowed children, and adults, to create their own artistic worlds. Written with grace and beauty,
Stonework Play will appeal to all ages…from the youngest child to the adult. And, for all those who read it,
it will open the door to the world of art and the world of creativity.
Great news Diana. However, a cheque from the UK would not be cashable in the US – and an international bank transfer costs around £25!! So the only way to pay would be a) through something like PayPal if you have that capability or b) via an American friend who might be willing to lend the money until we see each other… (which could be quite a while right now!). BUT, I’ll be at the WFF conference in Vancouver in 2022 – will you? Another thought is, if you were able to send a sample book, Muddy Faces might be interested in stocking it for the UK audience (www.muddyfaces.co.uk). There will be a way, one day! x