Yesterday, I wrote about the ripples created by sending blog posts out into the world. This is true of tweets, too. One of the connections I made last year thanks to blogging and tweeting was meeting Laura Purdie Salas. Laura is a prolific poet, and her new book A Rock Can Be… (Millbrook Press) was published yesterday! Congratulations, Laura! A Rock Can Be… is a companion book to Water Can Be… and A Leaf Can Be… All three of these books are gorgeously illustrated by Violeta Dabija.
our Earth in your hand.”
In A Rock Can Be…, Laura turns her attention to an object that, at first glance, may seem mundane, even a little boring. But, look with Laura through her poet’s eye, and rocks turn into objects of beauty, useful tools, and more. Laura’s rhyming text is full of scientific truths (“lava flow-er” and “desert dune”) as well as whimsy (“lake skimmer” and “hopscotch marker”). Dabija’s inviting illustrations make you want to jump in and join the fun. A Rock Can Be… will inspire children to look at rocks in a new and creative ways.
Paragraphs giving factual information about each use of rocks mentioned throughout the book is included. There is also a glossary and a short list or resources for further reading.
Teachers, librarians, and others who spend time with kids in Kindergarten through second or third grade will want all of these beautiful books for their collections. Each will encourage students to, in the words of Naomi Shihab Nye, pay “attention to the world.”
Thank you to Stacey, Tara, Dana, Betsy, Anna, and Beth for this space for teachers and others to share their stories each day during the month of March and on Tuesdays throughout the year. Be sure to visit Two Writing Teachers to read more Slice of Life posts.
Reading to the Core 
LOVED A Rock Can Be! I’m glad you’re featuring it here today!
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A rock can be a pet, a rolling stone, a rock band… I’m channeling my inner 70s child and Bob Dylan and Rolling Stones fan girl as I ponder ways to use “A Rock Can Be” in a high school classroom, too!
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Another special book by the very special Laura Purdie Salas.
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Not familiar with these books. Will need to check them out.
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I need to read this poet!! Thanks for teaching me about her work!
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Sounds like a great book–and a good gifting book for an Auntie to give young nieces. Thank you for introducing me!
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I love all about Laura Purdie Salas, her books, her sweet gentle self, and her blog filled with prompts.
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I like how you call out the connections available on twitter, and through blogging. Makes the world so much smaller in terms of people and so much larger in terms of resources, doesn’t it? Looks like a beautiful book.
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These books sound like great mentor texts for our kindergarten Looking Closely unit. Thank you for the recommendations, Catherine!
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I love that this is more than just a place to come and write; rather, it’s a place to find encouragement from others and to offer congratulations and kind words. Your slice today is a beautiful tribute and book commercial all wrapped up into one post. I’ve added these books to my “to read” list. Thank you.
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I love your rock. Great idea for kids to connect with.
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Right up my alley! lol
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