TWO STONES

book review by Jonah Meyer

 

"She noticed hundreds of small round stones that lay everywhere, sparkling like jewels 1n the sun, polished shiny by the water that washed over their surface ,n an endless rhythm of movement."

 

When she and her parents arrive at the beach cottage where they will spend their summer vacation, Analisa immediately walks along the sand dunes at dusk. She is heartbroken that her morn and dad argued over everything the entire drive. Time slips away as she wanders farther from the cottage and over the sandy beach, her bare feet making tracks along the shore. Approaching a trove of round beach stones, she cannot believe her eyes and ears when one particular stone says "Hello: asking Analisa to place ii farther along the beach beside another stone. seemingly waiting patiently. As she obliges, the two stones appear perfectly content as they are now together and dissolve slowly into the sand. Analisa·s parents are relieved to find her so far from the cottage, as they had been worried. As the family of three heads back, her father hands her two small shiny stones.

 

Teachworth's story of magical realism, accompanied by minimalist. black and white photography from Todd Weinstein. sets a strong, introspective mood of a late day along the stretch of summertime beach as the young protagonist experiences something miraculous. Although placing one stone close to another in response to a rock's request is strange, the experience somehow also brings her family closer together. In fact, there is no more arguing for the entire trip. Clearly, something magical took place that first night out on the beach for Analisa. Though this short, unique book can be viewed as a children's picture t>ook. it is certainly a book any young adult or adult can enjoy. The grayscale images perfectly complement the intriguing, simple storyline, producing a gem. Much like the beach stones themselves, this book shines.