Bring Me a Rock!

In Miyares's (Float) crisply focused fable, a tyrant of a grasshopper orders his insect subjects to bring him rocks: "I will have a majestic pedestal fit for a king." The insects line up, straining under the weight of their rocks as the grasshopper gives each a bored glance. "Is that the best you've got?" he yawns. A pipsqueak bug with a tiny rock rouses his ire: "I need big rocks, not puny pebbles!" he shouts in big, all-caps type. But when the grasshopper's throne starts to totter, the little bug saves the day, stuffing his rock into a crevice to stabilize it. With the goodwill he earns, the little bug persuades the grasshopper to redistribute the rocks. Equal thrones for all! It's a novel take on how to get along with bullies: rather than defy them, look for an opportunity to gain influence and power--an approach with a certain pragmatic persuasiveness. With its insect-eye perspective, deeply saturated colors, intersecting planes, and unusual angles (from the very top of the throne, for example), Miyares's artwork delivers his message with impact. Ages 4-8. Agent: Studio Goodwin Sturges. (June)

PreS-Gr 2--As in Miyares's Pardon Me!, creatures stand in for humans, allowing the author plenty of latitude to explore less than exemplary behavior. In this leafy world, the grasshopper king's first words are the titular command; he desires a "majestic pedestal." The colorful parade of insects produce a variety of gray rocks that reach toward the sky as the assembly progresses, but the ruler is unimpressed. When the littlest fellow presents his pebble, the king dismisses the offering and the bug in a disdainful rant. The digitally manipulated watercolors portray a verdant habitat. Full-bleed spreads alternate with small cameos on white backgrounds for a pleasing variety. Extreme shifts in perspective enhance the drama--first, the king's enormous body crosses the gutter to stare down at the tiny insect cowering in the corner. Later, the reclining royal sips his drink (replete with a miniature cocktail umbrella) from a dizzying aerial viewpoint. Suddenly, the tower starts to teeter. When the smallest citizen's contribution saves the day, the chagrined king grants him a favor. Ultimately all the insects are elevated to the same level. Children with bossy classmates or siblings will recognize the type, and the situation will certainly be familiar to those who have heard Aesop's fables.