A Guide To Rocks by Sacha Cotter

Lately, things have been getting Charlie down. It’s like he’s got a big rock that just won’t go away. He talks to Dad about it, and Dad brings out a dusty old book with a lot of tough rules. The first rule is you don’t talk about rocks. But the rules make things worse; Charlie’s ‘rock’ gets bigger, and everything feels dark and scary. They need some new rules – fast.

I went into the book knowing absolutely nothing about it, and, spoiler alert, it's not about geology. 

A Guide to Rocks and the Māori edition He Taonga Te Toka take you on a journey of emotions and what can happen if you don’t deal with them. It's another fabulous collaboration from the talented duo of Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan.

It is told with compassion and care, and the trademark Cotter and Morgan humour. It's emotional but perfectly pitched to the younger reader with the story told with empathy and understanding. Adults will love reading this book too, with a message many of us need to hear as well as plenty of opportunity to have fun with it during read aloud sessions.

Morgan's artwork is stunning, as usual. From the bright yellow colour to intricate rocks, the book bursts with colour, drawing the reader in. Each character is vibrant and unique, and Morgan makes sure every page is a feast for the eyes. Three double page spreads towards the middle of the book illustrate the duo's excellence - with artwork, text, story and design coming together in perfect harmony. 

It is, sadly, refreshing to see two male main characters dealing with their feelings and emotions in the story. It's also lovely to see intergenerational trauma discussed in a children's book. 

But this story has such an important message for everyone, no matter their gender or age. It is another shining star from the talented duo and a book that should be on every bookshelf and in every educational setting.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Huia Publishers