This rock is mine! by Kaye Umansky, illustrated by Alice McKinley

 I was always sad that I couldn't get more kids to love Kaye Umansky's Clover Twig books as much as I did, but I think she's much more familiar to readers in the UK. Anyways, when I saw this picture book I knew I had to try it!

Colorful greens, blues, and purples introduce readers to a lanky green frog with a red bathing suit and fishing pole, relaxing on a rock. Not just any rock, this is THEIR rock! But then they hear snoring and discover a light green frog in a yellow-striped bathing suit. Frog no. 1 angrily wakes them up and proclaims, in rhyme, their ownership of the rock.

The two quarrel, demonstrating their ownership of the rock, waving their possessions around, and generally cause a ruckus... which attracts the attention of a hungry heron nearby. The two quickly forget their fight in the imminent danger of the bird and they help each other escape and find a new, smaller rock that's just right for both of them!

I'm not usually a fan of rhyming picture books, but the bouncing rhythm, cheerful pictures, and cheeky humor of the bug-eat-bug world in the background of the story make this a new favorite of mine. It's sure to be a hit at storytime and will be a great choice for frog or sharing storytimes. I also appreciate the hint of realism in showing various creatures on the menu, although they all safely escape.

Verdict: A surefire storytime favorite and must-have for most libraries. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781682637463; Hardcover/picture book on Baker & Taylor for $10.63

Published October 2024 by Peachtree; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library