“Charlotte and the Rock” by Stephen W. Martin and Samantha Catterill
Pets. They can be wonderful, but they can also be intimidating. Especially to parents. At least that is what I have discovered as a mother. My children are absolutely in love with all things animal, and while we have a cat in our family, that doesn’t stop them from wanting other animals. They do have yet to beg for a pet directly and when they do I don’t know if I will be ready to take that step. Oh boy!
This is the story of a young girl who desperately wants a pet, but her parents have feelings similar to mine. In their hesitation they come up with the perfect solution: a pet rock. It isn’t what Charlotte had in mind, but she decides to be optimistic and does her best to enjoy its good qualities. Like being a great listener. Until one day, much to her surprise, she discovers that her rock isn’t a rock, its an egg! When it hatches it contains a brilliant surprise that thrills her and shocks her parents.
This is such a fun book that parents and children alike can relate too and the surprise ending is one that makes this book memorable as well as qualifying it to be read again and again.
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DIY Pet Rocks
Of COURSE this book called for some DIY pet rocks. I mean, how can you not?! It is such a fun book and Charlotte really does point out all the great effects of having one around. Plus, as a parent it is a pet that I can definitely agree to letting my children have. Their quiet, don’t create a mess and aren’t reliant on my children for any maintenance. Win!
The ones we made couldn’t be more simple. I figured, “why mess with a classic?”. All we did was select some rocks, paint them with non-toxic acrylic paint (including a clear coat on top) and put on some “googly eye” stickers to finish them off. (Similar to these ones here.) My toddlers couldn’t be happier with the results and my oldest especially is already quite attached. I have the feeling that we will most definitely be making pet rocks again soon.
If you give this Beyond the Book activity a try I’d love to hear how it goes! Share it on Instagram using hashtag #beyondthebook (I’m on Instagram as @book.nerd.mommy) or even just comment here with your thoughts. It would make my day! Or to simply save for later pin the image below.
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