Today, I’m showcasing Jon Klassen’s latest masterpiece, The Rock from the Sky. This five-part epic picture book contains Jon’s iconic illustrations and deadpan humour.
In part one, we meet Turtle. Turtle loves standing on his perfect spot. There is no reason to ever leave. Except right above Turtle’s favourite spot, is a rock in the sky. Turtle invites his friend Armadillo to join him on his favourite spot, but Armadillo has a bad feeling. And he’s right.
My four-year-old is just learning to read independently, and The Rock from the Sky is a fabulous book for her to read because the sentences are short, and Jon’s illustrations tell so much of the story. In fact, it is his wordless spreads that often deliver the most impactful humour and storytelling. Like when the rock falls from the sky (on Turtle’s favourite spot).
In part two, Turtles is adjusting to life with a rock on his favourite spot and by part five… well, let’s just say, it involves aliens!
Jon has a remarkable talent for visual storytelling that make his hilarious stories so accessible to young readers. We love Jon’s illustrations, which he described in a fascinating article in Children’s Picturebooks – The Art of Visual Storytelling by Martin Salisbury & Morag Styles.
My daughter’s all-time favourite picture book series is the Shape Trilogy written by Mac Barnett and Illustrated by Jon, so as soon as I heard about The Rock from the Sky, I knew she would love it. Jon guides us on an epic journey in such a natural way, that you get swept up in the nonsensical world. It is pure escapism and a joy to read for all ages!
The Rock from the Sky was published by Walker Books, 13 April 2021
I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. This voluntary review contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
LOVE, LOVE LOVE Jon Klassen’s books and this is no exception! It’s classic him isn’t it?!
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Yes – we love Jon’s books so much
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