Rock, Scissors, Paperbag

by Elizabeth Godley, AKANKSHA TYAGI (illustrator), Christian Drerup (editor)

Rock, Scissors, and Paperbag are the bestest of friends! Paperbag is afraid of everything, Rock is a talented musician, and Scissors is an excellent Orange Ball player. After the school bullies, The Bucket Kids, steal Scissors’ fake orange-ball, the kids decide to get back at the bullies. What if they could get a real orange-ball from The Great Orange Tree? That would show The Bucket Kids!

Recalling the local legend, they embark on a fantastic adventure to find The Great Orange Tree. However, while solving the riddle within the ancient map, they encounter a cave monster, a tornado of rapping cooties, and the horrid Land of Smells. How will they face each challenge? Will they end up back home with a real orange-ball? And if they do, will they share it?

Throughout their adventure, Rock gains confidence, Paperbag conquers his fears, and Scissors makes peace with being imperfect. Best Buds!

Winner of the 2023 International Firebird Book Award, Rock, Scissors, Paperbag is a spellbinding tale of friendship, fantasy, and adventure. A perfect book to be shared and treasured.

141 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

Elizabeth Godley is an award-winning children’s writer, originally from Louisiana. She writes to bring joy to children's lives, ensuring they feel connected and supported. She has traveled all over the world and loves learning about other cultures. Her favorite places are Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Florence, Italy. She has toured Italy as a clown, portraying her self-created character Nimrod, who is a lot like Charlie Chaplin's The Tramp. Previously, she worked as Starbelle, a face-painting fairy-friend to children. Currently, she resides in Los Angeles, CA, where she teaches elementary math, works as a voice over artist, and writes. She dreams of touring internationally, reading to children all over the world.

Reviews

[Ashley Ottesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son has been trying to make the transition from comic books to chapter books and this one helped bridge the gap between the two. Chapter books have intimidated him because of the lack of pictures and plethora of words. Rock, Scissors, Paperbag has the word count to stretch him as a reader but also some illustrations to help his developing imagination and break up the sentences.

When he finished he asked if there would be a second book.

If your kids are struggling to make the transition into bigger and more complicated stories, perhaps this one can help them on that journey.

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a cute story about finding things to do around your town. You might think your town is boring but you never know what you could find. I fell in love with the kids of Orange Orange and Orange Ball sounds like a fun time. And I can not wait to actually what Splashy the pup bunny creature looks like. Because who can say no to a cute little creature. I think this book will appeal to children that are reluctant readers as they can go on an adventure with funny and interesting beings of Rock, Scissors, and Paperbag.

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock, Scissors, and Paperbag were the best of friends. There wasn't one among them that was perfect in every way, but they complimented each other, aiming to be their best and bring out the best in their friends, and isn't that what having a true friend is all about?

The story itself takes us into a imagined land filled with animated, living objects that are no longer content to simply lie about, but have lives, dreams, and aspirations. Rock wants to be a rockstar. Scissors wants to be a world famous Orange Ball player. Paperbag wants...to simply be a bit less scared, and a bit more content, but he's working on it. When bullies come a calling, they lost something precious to them, but end up on a mission to get something even better. No, not a real Orange Ball, although technically that is there initial mission, but the missions BEHIND the mission it to cement their friendship, have a good time, overcome the bullies, and share their wealth with the world...or at least their classmates. The ups and downs they experience, the curious trail they are lead on, and even the strange portions of their world they encounter will spark imagination, if not turn a stomach because hello, THE LAND OF SMELL? With a few described smells? Eww...no thanks...but at least it was made bearable with friends, such is the lesson of life! It can get stinky sometimes and make us want to walk away, but it moves on, and, with the help of a few good friends, it's that much easier to trudge on through.

In the end, this was a curious beginning to a magic infused Chapter Book series that has a lot of potential, a few hidden humorous moments, and a whole lot of love. Life in Orange Orange may have started out rather boring and humdrum, but how can anything stay that way with good friends by your side? A great read for the kiddos, whether on their own or with a friend, and a fun way to spark imagination while instilling the importance of kindness, sharing, and supporting one another.


*ecopy received for review; opinions are my own

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diving into 'Rock, Scissors, and Paperbag' by Elizabeth Godley, beautifully illustrated by Akanksha Tyagi! 📚
💕 Paperbag stole my heart, and I couldn't help but relate. A charming children's book with a positive message—a breath of fresh air from my usual thrillers and romances. 🌈
✨ The illustrations are pure magic, adding an extra layer of enchantment. Highly recommend for a delightful escape!