posted on 15 Oct 2023

Nelly and the Magic Stone by Kim Hofman

There is plenty to talk about on the front cover of this colourful new picture book even before you open the first page. It shows an extremely cross looking girl sitting with arms folded in a sandpit. In contrast there are two very carefree children running in the field behind her. As the title suggests, there is an unusual looking item in the sandpit - could this be the magic stone?

As the story unfolds we learn that Nelly is very inconsiderate to her peers at school and seems to take delight in throwing sand at them in the playground. She also has a problem with sharing so when she spots an intriguing silver stone sparkling in the sun, she grabs it just for herself and then throws it over the fence.

She is just as unkind when she goes to the park with her dad and she pushes and shoves the boys and girls out of her way so that she can climb to the top of the slide. Here something strange happens because she spots what looks like the same stone sparkling in the sun! Children love moralising about the ‘bad’ behaviour of fictional characters so will relish pointing out her selfishness when, yet again, she keeps it for herself and then throws it up into the sky. Dad certainly doesn’t look very happy with her generally negative attitude but on the way home they have a good talk and when they spot the stone again, she lets him have a good look at it and he has a turn throwing it.

This father-daughter chat marks a noticeable shift in her demeanour as she plans what to do next with her day When she tip-toes towards the trampoline she sees the three discarded stones shining there. When she turns each one over she sees the words: ‘Just be kind’. Children will enjoy suggesting how Nelly might approach her friends with more care and empathy in the future after this magical lesson. One important point made by my grandsons was that Nelly and her dad should definitely not be randomly throwing stones as this might cause all kinds of dangerous accidents!

Information about the author, who has a professional background working in schools suggests that she is very interested in helping young children to learn how to recognise body language and to develop social and emotional awareness.

This simple picture book has a strong message about considering the feelings of others. Published by Austin Macauley, it can be ordered from your local independent bookshop or direct from the website www.austinmacauley.com

 

Karen Argent

October 2023