A Guide To Rocks

Charlie loves hanging out with his whānau, especially his dad. But something’s changed for Charlie lately, and the first person he wants to tell is his pāpā. Pāpā’s response is not what Charlie expected, as he shushes his son. Taken inside, far from the ears of family and friends, Charlie is shown a book. It has been in their family for generations and is held together with string.

Charlie reads the title. A Gentleman’s Rule Book for Rocks. That’s exactly what Charlie’s problem feels like. A rock.

Together, they go through each rule about rocks. At first Charlie is intrigued and relieved to have some advice, but soon wonders whether the rules in the book are the best things to follow after all. In fact, the rules are making things even worse – his rock even bigger than ever.

Can they find another way?

 

With Josh Morgan’s distinctive and vibrant style we loved in Dazzlehands and The Bomb, A Guide to Rocks is an entertaining and thought provoking read. This full colour picture book is perfect for ages 5 – 10 who may feel they are carrying their own ‘rocks’ around.

The age-old kiwi way of:

She’ll be right

Don’t talk about it

Keep it to yourself

is delved into brilliantly as father and son explore old and new ways to deal with a problem. This is made even clearer on the back page in a clear, fun way.

Sacha Cotter’s fun portrayal of problems as rocks aptly shows how ‘rocks’ can quickly grow bigger if ignored or by following the old-fashioned mantras. Both father and son learn from each other in the story, realising their mental health benefits from “sharing feelings, worries, problems and more.” 

Perfect for bookshelves at home and at school, and although for young readers, the topic is applicable to all of us. 

Loved it.

 

Author – Sacha Cotter

Illustrator – Josh Morgan

Publisher – Huia Publishers

Picture Book

Age – 5-10 years

 

 

 

(2025. Huia Publishers, NZ, New Zealand, Mental Health, Worries, Problems, Sharing problems, Feelings, Family, Secret, Heavy feelings, Weight on shoulders, Father Son Relationships, Solutions)

 

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