Hidden Gem

May 8, 2023
In this straightforward diamond-in-the-rough story, newcomer Liu explores the fascinating forms of rocks via digital and watercolor spreads that foreground the objects’ variegated colors and textures. On an opening page, the narrating rock—small, gray, and smooth, with a lighter-colored vein running through it—introduces itself: “I rock/ and roll// and tumble.” A piece of paper blows toward it, an invitation to a “World’s Most Beautiful Gem” exhibition at a museum, which common rocks visit to see distinctive gems up on plinths. Instead of rocking and rolling, though, the entities on display “shock/ and glow// and humble.” How might the narrator, an average rock, become as notable as those on display? Should it sculpt itself into a different form, or paint itself a different color? (Liu renders the rock as part of several well-known works of art in the background.) Instead, the museum’s star exhibit gives the rock a luminous, shimmering vision of itself as exceptional after all. Alongside message-forward text, it’s the glowing colors of Liu’s distinctive visual style that carry the overarching message of self-wonder and innate worth. Ages 4–8. Agent: Thao Le, Dijkstra Agency.

July 1, 2023
Grades K-2 A rock, somewhat plain, somewhat ordinary, wonders about rocks that others find beautiful. What would it take to be like them? Quietly addressing the power of influencers and others' opinions, the rock wanders a museum of rocks and considers the nature of beauty. It sees rocks in many different shapes, forms, and colors. It marvels at their uniqueness or special attributes. Instead of looking at itself with positivity, the rock wonders how it should change itself to be more like others. When it sees a glorious diamond, however, the rock finally understands. Viewing its own reflection in the shiny diamond helps the rock reframe its approach and appreciate what it has to offer. A curving stripe on the rock's surface subtly takes on a more golden hue as it begins to value itself, offering a physical manifestation of its inner development. The illustrations, using watercolors and digital tools to present the rocks with expressive eyes, add humor to the serious topic.

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Starred review from May 1, 2023
A rock explores existential questions and is the wiser for its efforts. It's the Jon Klassen eyes that pull viewers in: black pupils on gray/green irises atop white ovals. With just a hint of movement, they express exactly what the gray, speckled half-orb is feeling. Adults may hear a Paul Simon refrain after the first line--"I am a rock"--while emerging readers will appreciate the smooth rhymes and simple language that nevertheless convey deep thoughts. When a brochure advertising "The World's Most Beautiful Gem" blows by, the protagonist joins throngs of other stones headed to the Museum of Rocks. Liu's watercolor and digital compositions include softly textured landscapes with rounded green hills showcasing the domed edifice. The effect of the gorgeous, multicolored gems (also with eyes) on the main character is palpable: "These rocks shock and glow and humble." The rock wonders how it can be special, too, and imagines following the same rocky journeys as the others or molding itself to be like Michelangelo's David or various famous paintings whose faces have been replaced with rocks. But seeing its reflection in a dazzling diamond helps the rock grasp its own beauty--and the worth of those around it. While there are many recent children's books that celebrate identity, make room for this one, which blends subtle humor and superb design for a profound, deftly conveyed message. (This book was reviewed digitally.) The levity lightens the mood; the art is breathtaking. (Picture book. 3-7)

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Starred review from August 25, 2023

PreS-Gr 1-Liu's debut picture book introduces readers to a basic gray rock with green undertones who is happy just being a rock. No gender necessary, this rock narrates likes and dislikes. "I rock and I roll and I tumble." After reading about the most beautiful gem in the world, self doubt sets in for the rock, who goes to the museum to view the precious stone. "Is the me that I see the best I can be?" What transpires in Liu's iridescent illustrations is a journey to the heart of identity, all within a museum's stroll. The narrator sees shinier stones, and gemlike pieces, but catching a glimpse of a reflection, understands the truth. "I found myself and now I see...that being special is being me!" Liu has created a delightful, reflective, rhyming, and engaging book for emerging readers. Her illustrations at first glance look simple, but are unassumingly detailed with social justice, racial, and gender identity connections that allow parents and teachers to talk about inclusion, tolerance, and acceptance within the context of the story, that can easily transfer to daily life and interactions. VERDICT Children will enjoy having this book read to them and reading it themselves.-Laura Ellis

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