4.5 Stars

What happens when Ricky the Rock has a writing assignment he is afraid of? His teacher wants the class to write a fun rhyming poem, and Ricky is afraid of rhyming words. His friend, Tess the Tin, wants him to try, but Ricky gives up without an attempt. But friends do what they do, and Ricky might just learn more about himself. 

This is a super cute book where rocks and one tin foil are students at a school (how cool is that!). The rocks come in different sizes and colors, with adorable round eyes. Some even have lovely lashes. The illustrations are super fun and align with the text. 

The background and setting come in neat lines, while the rocks are highlighted in 3D color. I really like this presentation. The attention to detail (like the duck’s expression or the little ladybug, which I think is Ricky’s pet or that vibrant rainbow feather in Ricky’s vine) makes the book even better. A page with ‘writers rock’ in the background made me chuckle. Yes, we do. ;) 

The rhyming verse was just as fun to read. I do like some cheekiness in authors, so Mr. Jay gets a bonus point for writing himself into the poem. The moral is easy to identify and discuss with little ones. 

To summarize, Ricky, the Rock that Just Couldn't Rhyme is an adorable book about not giving up without trying and how good friends can help you identify your strengths. 

I received an eARC from Edelweiss+ and New Paige Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.