Book cover of "The Rock from the Sky," by Jon Klassen, shows a turtle and an armadillo, both wearing hats, looking at a pink flower growing from the ground.

Title: The Rock From the Sky

Author & illustrator: Jon Klassen

Publisher: Candlewick Press

ISBN13: 9781536215625

Recommended audience: Ages 4–8 / Grades JK–Grade 3

Link to publisher book page: https://www.candlewick.com/9781536215625/the-rock-from-the-sky/

About Helen Kubiw aka :

I am a retired teacher librarian, and the blogger behind CanLit for LittleCanadians. I proudly support and promote Canadian books for young people. I am the former chair of the Forest of Reading® and the facilitator for its Kid Committees. I have served as a juror for several book awards, reviewed for Quill & Quire magazine , and hosted panels for writers' festivals.

I love advocating for Canadian authors and illustrators to ensure great books get the attention they deserve.

What I liked about the book:

My original review of this book is posted at https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-rock-from-sky.html

  1. 1.

    This is sophisticated storytelling both in text and in art.

  2. 2.

    The illustrations are both stark and profound in that austerity.

  3. 3.

    It encompasses five stories within, unusual in a picture book.

  4. 4.

    Jon Klassen presents the different attitudes and intentions of a turtle, an armadillo, and a snake, in their dialogue, or lack thereof, and in their expressions. Turtle is a proud and even tedious character who sees little beyond himself, never wanting to appear to be anything but capable. Armadillo is imaginative and attentive, both insightful and considerate while never arrogant. And Snake takes things at face-value.

How I discovered this book:

I have been a fan of Jon Klassen since his debut picture book, I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick Press, 2011). This book introduced a different kind of storytelling, one that is cheeky in its dark humour and almost subversive in its messaging. Now I watch for anything by Jon Klassen, who recently was awarded the prestigious 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.

Are you a librarian, educator, bookseller, or book blogger interested in contributing to this blog? Here's more info.