About this book

There are two sides to every story. Read to the end, then back again to uncover a thoughtful story about sharing and compassion.

Three seals are perched on a rock. When others need shelter, do they share it?

When read from front to back, the group of seals firmly believe there is no room on their rock for the parent and child seal who are seeking a place to rest. Readers are then encouraged to read the story again, from back to front, revealing a welcoming message where the seals make room for others and share their rock.

This clever picture book explores the idea that there are two sides to every story, with one story that can be read in two different ways. A gentle lesson to facilitate discussion around sharing and larger themes of societal compassion and inclusion.

Room on our Rock won the NCTE Charlotte Huck Award, for fiction that has the potential to transform children’s lives by inviting compassion, imagination, and wonder.

Reviews

Praise for Room on Our Rock:

“For one-on-one sharing or a read-aloud with an engaged group of children, the chance to re-explore the book from back to front to derive different meaning is an opportunity for playful reflection.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Reading it the conventional way offers an uncharitable ‘no strangers allowed here’ interpretation, but when the reader is encouraged to flip over and read the story backwards, the beauty of the book is revealed . . .” — Books+Publishing

“Room on Our Rock is such a clever book with a strong and important message that all children will understand . . .” — Educate.Empower

Extras

Teachers’ Notes and Discussion Guide