Petra is a rock and this is how she rolls.
Petra is the story of a rock who is underestimated by the people around her. Set in the plants she is a mountain. In the pond she is an island. She’s full of potential, but people keep telling her she’s a rock. A pebble. They send her flying. After every setback Petra reinvents herself to fit her new surroundings.
Petra is about perspective. It is also about life’s ups and downs.
I loved Petra from the cover. Her smile is impossible to resist. This is a feel-good book, and Coppo’s art creates those positive vibes.
I wish I could give a copy of this book to anyone who has ever experienced a setback. Petra’s personality shines through every situation. Whether she is a rock, an elephant or an island she is upbeat little Petra, with her smile and rosy cheeks. People are not the sum of their successes and failures. Our true friends are the ones who see us for who we are. The ones who cheer us on every time we find our feet. It doesn’t matter that people tell Petra she is only a rock. Who are they to say what she might be, or how her life will pan out?
The book offers plenty of discussion for child readers. It is difficult for young children to understand that life changes, and that unexpected things happen. Discuss Petra’s reaction – does she give-up, or does she find new things to do? This would also be a great book for introducing the concepts of past, present and future. (‘Petra was a mountain in the past, but now she is an egg. What do you think she might be in the future?’)
With its soothing colour palette and upbeat protagonist, Petra would make a lovely bedtime story. It would be a lovely book for promoting life skills. With its mature art style and upbeat messages, it is a suitable book to gift to adult friends in need of encouragement.
Book Murmuration 