The Skipping Stone
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
The Skipping Stone, written by Kelly Lenihan and illustrated by Oona Risling-Sholl and Naomi Bardoff, is a delightful children's book about a young boy named Nick who dreams of something extraordinary happening to him. During a family outing, his wish is granted in an unexpected way, leaving him with a special memento of the day. The book, perfect for children ages 0-7, also includes educational sections on stone skipping, offering fun facts and tips on technique and rock selection.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the skipping stone feel when it was thrown across the water?
What do you think the stone learned during its journey?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What would you do if you were the skipping stone?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like the stone did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voice tones to mirror the emotions of the skipping stone as you read together.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the story, then discuss why they chose it.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the stone’s place during key moments in the story.
Connect the story to real-life experiences by discussing times when your child has faced challenges or new adventures.
Spark creativity by asking your child to imagine a different ending for the story and discuss how it changes the story’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The Skipping Stone features a stone that keeps trying to skip across the water no matter how many times it sinks. This embodies the spirit of never giving up despite failures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by continuing to work on difficult tasks at school or home, understanding that persistence leads to success.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: As the stone interacts with various elements in its environment, it changes form and size, teaching adaptability and acceptance of change.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to adapt to new situations whether it’s moving to a new school, meeting new friends, or trying out different extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Impact of Actions on Others
Explanation: The story shows the ripple effect of the stone's skips across the water, symbolizing how small actions can have broader implications.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to consider the consequences of their actions on others and encourage thoughtful, kind behavior.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Pleasures
Explanation: The stone takes delight in simple acts like skipping and tumbling, highlighting the beauty of simple joys and contentment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to find happiness in everyday activities and appreciate the small, joyful moments life offers.