A Chip Off The Old Block

By Jody Jensen Shaffer, illustrated by Daniel Miyares
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2018
Picture book, 32 pages, ages 5-8

Rocky is part of a big family of rock stars: Uncle Gibraltar, Aunt Etna, and Great-Grandma Half Dome. But Rocky is just a pebble – “a chip off the old block,” says his dad – who wants to do something big and important. So Rocky hitches a ride and travels across the country in hopes of joining one of the most amazing formations on earth. Along the way, he encounters obstacles, setbacks, and big breaks. He rocks and rolls all the way to his Cousin Rushmore, where he finally gets the chance to prove that even little pebbles can’t be taken for granite.

A rocking good story.

A Chip Off the Old Block is an engaging story with learning opportunities thrown in. The clever wordplay and humorous moments bolster text that would otherwise be more tell than show. Miyares’ illustrations are appropriately textural (this is a rock book, after all) and full of life. He manages to infuse a ton of expression and personality into a simple rock. For me, the writing is a 3 and the illustrations a 5.

Back matter that includes an author’s note and information about rock types adds educational value.

Will kids like this book? Yes, if they love rocks. If rocks aren’t their thing, it may struggle to hold their attention.

A Chip Off the Old Block by Jody Jensen Shaffer received 4 stars from this reviewer.