Rhoda's Rock Hunt

Author Molly Beth Griffin, Illustrations by Jennifer Bell

Minnesota Historical Society Press (October 1, 2014)

Hike alongside Rhoda as she collects rock after rock, “red ones and blue ones and stripy ones,” from forest and river and lake, on a north woods adventure.

Description

Rhoda is on a long, long hike with her aunt and uncle, each of them carrying backpacks of gear as they walk through the north woods. While Auntie June and Uncle Jonah watch for wildlife and set up their campsites, Rhoda is on the hunt for one thing: ROCKS.

She finds them in all shapes and patterns, from hearts and hats to stripes and sparkles. And every last treasure goes into her pack, making it heavier and heavier as they hike through forests and along streams. Soon Rhoda is sweaty, and tired of salami sandwiches, and wishing for her own bed. Then, on the last day, they come to the Big Lake. And its beach is covered in rocks. Rhoda can’t believe her luck.

After hours of play and even more rock discoveries, it’s time to head for home. By now Rhoda’s pack is too heavy to lift. Will she give up her rocks and return to the cabin for a real shower, a hot meal, and a soft bed? Or will she stay on the beach forever with her beloved collection? Her clever solution makes the most of her treasures—and offers delights for other hikers.

Author information

Writer and teacher Molly Beth Griffin is the author of Loon Baby and Silhouette of a Sparrow.

Jennifer A. Bell has illustrated over a dozen children’s books, most recently Toe Shoe Mouse and When a Dad Says “I Love You.”

Reviews and news

In the media:

KIRKUS Review
Publishers Weekly
KFAI Write on Radio (Begins at 32:32)
Molly on The Writer’s Block (The Loft blog)
Molly on The Storyteller’s Ink Pot (Hamline MFA blog)
A Mighty Girl
Family Fun Twin Cities
Celebrate Picture Books

Winner of the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award in Children’s Literature

Storytime video

• 32 pages
• fully illustrated in color
• 10 x 10 inches
• ISBN: 9780873519502