Rocks in My Pockets
Kindergarten-Grade 3-- The Woods family lives on a farm on the highest mountain in the area. Because of the severe wind, they need to carry rocks in their pockets so they won't be blown away. They also play games with the rocks, hold them while listening to stories, and heat them in winter to warm their beds. One day two women come from the city, see the beautifully gleaming rocks, and negotiate to buy some. This starts swarms of people coming to their home, with both good and bad intentions, and ultimately changes their entire way of life. Harshman and Collins give the Woods family the true folksy feeling that they deserve. Their story is simply told, yet moves along at a comfortable pace that will keep children both interested and involved. Goffe's pen-and-watercolor cartoons are pleasing and full of motion. The characters' expressions and stances add to the humor. The windblown family with lumpy, laden pockets look just as one would imagine them, as do the "high fancy ladies from the city." An enjoyable romp in which the good guys come out ahead. --Rachel Fox, Port Washington Public Library, NYCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.