Rhoda's Rock Hunt

PreS-Gr 1—When Rhoda goes with Auntie June, Uncle Jonah, and their perky little dog on a "long, long hike from their up-north cabin," her aunt is interested in photographing birds; her uncle in camping; and the dog in adventure and exploring. But Rhoda is a rock hunter. Everywhere they go, she finds rocks—near the lake, on the forest path, in a rushing stream, and, especially, on the beach beside the Big Lake. Rhoda picks up smooth, striped, and sparkly rocks; colored rocks and plain rocks; rocks that fit perfectly into her hand, and others with all sorts of shapes. Finally, with her small backpack so loaded she cannot lift it, the child must decide what to do with her multitude of treasures. Bell's cartoon illustrations bring this simple story to life. Scenes of woods, lakes, beaches, and boulder-edged stream offer a somewhat inviting glimpse of hiking and camping with a charming freckle-faced little girl who loses herself in the part of nature she likes best.—Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker Public Library, OH